The most fulfilling aspect of my role is knowing the work we do at SSFS allows our clients to achieve their desired retirement lifestyle. We do this by gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, goals and objectives and by developing strategies to make them a reality.
Garth MulhollandFinancial Planner SSFS
Market Commentary
Investment Commentary 5 September 2011
Investment market sentiment in September was dominated by escalating fears of sovereign debt default in Europe and concerns that this would spark large losses within the European banking system. Also weighing on sentiment were fears that the global economic outlook was worsening, which was highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgrading its global growth expectations for 2011 and 2012. In this environment, growth assets such as shares and base metal commodities declined. Defensive assets, such as government bonds, strengthened. Gold prices retreated, despite its safe haven status, after having reached a new record high of US$1920 near the beginning of September. The Australian Dollar recorded broad-based losses against most major currencies.
Investment Commentary 17 November 2011
Global investment market performance in October was driven by optimism that important steps were being taken to resolve ongoing European debt problems. Late in the month, an important agreement was reached by the 27 members of the European Union (EU) to contain the spread of Europe’s sovereign debt problems by putting measures in place that would limit the impact of a potential Greek debt default, particularly on the European financial system.
Investment markets – looking through the volatility 23 December 2011
Investment market performance over the past two months has been characterised by high levels of volatility. This has been driven by ongoing uncertainty over a possible
Bonding with Bonds 8 February 2012
Fixed interest is an important asset class that typically provides a diversified portfolio with consistent and stable returns for relatively low risk. Also referred to as bonds, they are an essential component of pre-retiree and retiree portfolios.
Government debt problems remain a hurdle for share markets 24 November 2011
Share markets have performed poorly this week as debt problems on both sides of the Atlantic have weighed heavily on investor sentiment. Over recent days, government bond yields in Spain have moved higher, reflecting increased risk; while in the United States, there is political deadlock over measures to reduce the government’s massive budget deficit. This article reviews the most recent developments impacting investment markets and looks at the bright spots for Australian investors amidst the debt gloom in Europe and the United States.
Market jitters rise 10 November 2011
Investment markets experienced a renewed bout of volatility overnight as sentiment suffered another blow over ongoing European debt problems. This was driven mainly by developments in Italy, although the absence of positive news out of Europe in general also weighed on markets. This article reviews the most recent concerns for Italy and Greece, and the response from investment markets.
