Cracking the interest rate code | A research-driven approach for smarter portfolios
Interest rates remain one of the most powerful forces shaping investment outcomes, and understanding the four phases of the interest-rate cycle (hiking, peak, cutting and the flat bottom) is key to navigating markets. Each phase affects share market performance and sector leadership in patterns that have repeated across multiple cycles.To help investors make the most of these opportunities, NZ Funds has developed the Interest Rate Investment Strategy (IRIS), a research-driven framework that guides sector positioning as the cycle moves. This week, we look at why the strategy was developed, how it is currently being implemented, and what it tells us about expected equity returns across New Zealand, Australia and the United States.In a world where interest-rate sensitivity creates both risks and opportunities, IRIS offers a clear, practical way to strengthen decision-making, build resilience, and stay positioned for what comes next. Join hosts James Grigor, Investment Strategist, Stephan Clark, Chief Client Officer, and special guest Charlie Astwick, Investment Analyst, as they share insights from NZ Funds’ latest research and discuss what the future path of interest rates may mean for investors.
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The NZ Funds Knowledge Series | Equal Weighting and Downside Mitigation
The way investors build share portfolios is changing. With markets increasingly driven by a handful of big companies and traditional diversification offering less protection, it’s time to rethink how portfolios are structured. NZ Funds’ latest research explores two areas that can make a real difference. How equal-weighted portfolios compare with capitalisation-weighted portfolios, and how tail-risk protection can help reduce drawdowns while lifting long-term returns.This week, we’ll look at the findings from NZ Funds’ recently published Equal vs Capitalisation-Weighting and Downside Mitigation (Universa) white paper. From how regular rebalancing and broader share exposure can improve returns, to how downside protection strategies like Universa can buffer major market falls, the research shows practical ways to build stronger, more resilient portfolios.In a world of concentration risk and sharp market moves, both approaches aim to give investors better long-term results - higher compounding and steadier returns. Join hosts James and Stephan, together with NZ Funds CIO Mark Brooks, as they explore what this means for the next generation of portfolio design.
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Spring insights – What’s driving markets?
As the third quarter draws to a close, we look back on the perspectives we shared at mid-year. We were right to remain confident: growth prospects for 2025 have continued to propel markets higher, and our outlook stays positive for the rest of the year.Many of the same drivers remain in play. In New Zealand, interest rates and dairy prices should eventually help pull the economy out of the doldrums, and the share market has already been trading stronger in the second half. Globally, despite the United States dominating headlines for geopolitical reasons, the economy remains resilient and share markets are reflecting that.So how should we think about positioning for continued headline-grabbing volatility while holding a constructive view on markets? Are there alternative assets we can invest in? And, remembering that while markets don’t repeat, they do rhyme, what can history teach us about what comes next? Mark Brooks, Chief Investment Officer at NZ Funds, joins us to discuss these questions as another wet New Zealand spring arrives in full bloom.
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Coneybeer on going global – Capital, connections & chilly bins
What happens when a leading Silicon Valley investor turns his focus to New Zealand? Rob Coneybeer, Co-Founder of Shasta Ventures, has backed global successes like Nest, Dollar Shave Club, Canva and Anaplan. Now he’s bringing that experience and perspective here, exploring how New Zealand can better attract talent, capital and opportunity.The new Active Investor Plus visa is opening doors for international investors and operators. But capital alone isn’t enough - real success depends on connecting people with the right skills, building strong networks, and creating supportive frameworks, including tax, to grow a thriving ecosystem.Join us as we explore why New Zealand is an attractive place to grow a business and how the country can strengthen its competitive edge, and learn about Kiwi companies pushing to make their mark globally. For business owners and investors alike, this is a valuable chance to hear directly from someone who has scaled world-class companies and understands what it takes on the global stage.
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The NZ Funds Knowledge Series | Gold, Bitcoin and Downside Mitigation
Diversification doesn’t mean what it used to. In a world where the old 60/40 equity-bond model is breaking down, investors must rethink how they construct portfolios. NZ Funds’ latest research shows how overlays in gold, copper, Bitcoin, and tail-risk hedging can reshape outcomes and boost returns while controlling systemic risk.This week, we'll take a dive inside NZ Funds' recent Portfolio Optimisation Paper. From gold’s role as a diversifier, to multi-asset overlays that incorporate Bitcoin, to Universa’s tail-risk strategies, they explore how modern portfolio construction goes beyond bonds to achieve resilience in uncertain times.Markets today demand more dynamic thinking. The data shows that with the right overlays, investors can earn higher compounded returns while keeping risks in check. Join James and Stephan as they break down the next evolution in portfolio optimisation._____The presentation referenced in this video can be downloaded here - www.nzfunds.co.nz/emailarticles/monday_call/NZ_Funds_Knowledge_Series--Portfolio_Optimisation_Paper_July_2025.pdf
This is the Monday Call, brought to you by NZ Funds.
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It’s not just about share market movements or changes in bond prices.
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It’s about decarbonisation, commodities, and how geopolitical events can change the direction of the global economy.
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