Opinion
Inflation cuts the real returns on your investments
At 3%, inflation cuts purchasing power by more than 25% over 10 years.
Latest from Mark Lister
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Higher yields make bonds more useful as a defensive asset
After years of unusually low rates, bonds are becoming useful again.
Growth has won long-term, but value is gaining ground again
Growth and value stocks can swap places, so labels matter less than fundamentals.
Tight election race will keep markets cautious before polling day
Markets have typically recovered after election uncertainty has cleared.
Investors should diversify beyond the AI and tech trade
OPINION: US shares have surged, but strong earnings may justify elevated valuations.
Rising unemployment is a lagging sign, not an economic forecast
Corporate results may show whether NZ's early economic recovery is real.
Under the hood: Tech stumbles as financials and healthcare take the lead
OPINION: Only one of the Magnificent Seven beat the index by late July.
Why the Reserve Bank’s OCR hike looks increasingly justified
OPINION: Inflation reached 4.1% in June, above the target band.
How the 87 sharemarket crash shaped a generation
OPINION: Many investors who lost money vowed never to own shares again.
Mark Lister: Why America keeps bouncing back when others stumble
The US has marked 250 years since declaring independence from Britain.
Mark Lister: Investors eye calmer waters after a turbulent start to 2026
US oil prices have dropped below US$70, easing from April highs above US$110.
Mark Lister: What falling oil prices mean for your mortgage and the Reserve Bank
OPINION: Oil prices have dropped about 25% from last month's peak.
Mark Lister: The smart investor’s response to surging global debt
Net core Crown debt is forecast to peak at 46.1% of GDP in 2027/28.
Mark Lister: The SpaceX debut that could reshape how markets work
OPINION: More than 20 SpaceX-linked financial products are already in the works.
Mark Lister: Why Kiwi investors need to think beyond home shores
OPINION: Investors are urged to keep at least two-thirds of portfolios offshore.
Mark Lister: Inflation expectations could shape what happens next
Households expect inflation of near 5% next year and 4% in two years’ time.
Mark Lister: Why emerging markets are outpacing the US
OPINION: Emerging markets make up 60% of world GDP but hold just 10% of global indices.
Mark Lister: How an early OCR hike could hit markets, mortgages and confidence
Markets see a 0.25% OCR hike in July as almost certain.
Mark Lister: Fuel, rents, groceries – why inflation bites some Kiwis more than others
OPINION: Stats NZ tracks 598 items, checking about 100,000 prices every quarter.
Opinion: Why sharemarkets are climbing despite conflict and high oil prices
S&P 500 earnings for the March 2026 quarter are up 15.1%.
Opinion: 1970s stagflation fears are rising again, but are they overblown?
OPINION: The Reserve Bank warns inflation could reach 4.2% in the June quarter.
Two stark paths for markets as oil shock tests investors’ nerve – Mark Lister
OPINION: Oil has spent much of the past week trading above US$100 a barrel.
Mark Lister: The smart way to put a big payout to work in a jittery market
OPINION: Many Fonterra farmers may ponder how to best invest a windfall of up to $400,000.
Mark Lister: The real risk of bailing out of shares too soon
OPINION: Since 2000 the S&P 500 has had 12 corrections, averaging an 20.8% fall.
Mark Lister: Petrol spike will hit inflation but RBNZ right to hold its nerve
OPINION: Markets briefly priced in three OCR hikes after wholesale rates hit July highs.
Mark Lister: Why markets tend to do fine no matter who wins in November
Shares have risen under every government since 1975, despite political shifts.
Stormy markets: How to position your portfolio as oil spikes higher - Opinion
US crude has spiked to US$100 a barrel, its highest level since 2022.
Mark Lister: Why a strong January for US shares does not guarantee an easy year
OPINION: Historically, when January is up, the S&P 500 has risen in 89% of those years.
Mark Lister: Midterm market jitters are normal, not a reason to bail out
OPINION: Since 1950, US shares have still finished up in 60 of 76 years.
The new inflation normal: What a hotter economy means for your money
Opinion: If 3% (or even 4%) is the new 2%, this will have implications for investors.
Earnings clues: Where to look for real signs the economy is turning the corner
Freightways, Port of Tauranga and Summerset offer clues on broader demand.
Opinion: Early 2026 gains hint at solid year ahead for share investors
Smaller companies and sectors like energy and materials led January’s gains.