NZIJ 128 - February 2008
Green investing
In this issue you will notice that we continue our emphasis on articles related to investing in environmentally friendly enterprises. We want to give you a picture of the opportunities available and the trends in the global marketplace.
Our lead article shows that carbon trading is taking on ever greater importance and shows where companies are making healthy profits from âgreen activitiesâ.
Global business is taking seriously the impacts that climate policy will have on their marketplace and industry. In New Zealand we are starting to take on board some of the implications. The New Zealand Wine Company gave a presentation at the recent INFINZ conference on âInvestment and Risk Management in a Carbon-Conscious Worldâ and the article gives an example of what this company has done and is continuing to do to mitigate its effect on the environment.
Food and fuel are two really important commodity groups. Investment in these areas is likely to be very important in coming years and investment in one may impinge on the other as the trend to production of biofuels comes at the cost of production of food. This also means these areas are ones of some of the greatest risk for the global economy.
How can you go about reducing your effect on the environment, especially mitigating carbon emissions? Michael Lockhart from Ecosphere, looks at this in the fourth part of his series of articles on sustainability.
The fall in global sharemarkets since the end of last year and the ongoing turmoil since produced some opportunities for canny investors to buy into quality stocks at advantageous prices or perhaps top up existing holdings.
A long term view is often required with investing, or in other words, the âbig pictureâ. Fritz de Boer has a few wise words on this topic and spells out the big global picture. If you would like some help with planning your portfolio, he is available by emailing fritz@nzij.co.nz or phone NZIJ on 0800 90 60 90.
According to Caglan Bagci, from NZIJ Mortgages, itâs not only stocks that are at bargain prices at the moment. The high interest rates are having an effect on the housing market (as intended by the RBNZ). He suggests ways that might be suitable to help you buy into an investment property in the current climate.
Articles
- Carbon to be worldâs biggest commodity market - Editor
According to a recent New York Times article, âIn Londonâs Financial World, Carbon Trading Is the New Big Thing,â âCarbon will be the worldâs biggest commodity market, and it could become the worldâs biggest market over all.â
- Agriculture, the next big investment theme - Fritz J de Boer, CFP, NZIJ Financial Services Limited
Investors may do well to consider investing in what promises to be one of the biggest bull markets of the next 10 to 20 years.
- Setting off to sustainability - Michael Lockhart | ECOSPHERE
This is the fourth in a four-part series of articles about Sustainability.
- Commodities markets update - Editor
- The New Zealand Wine Company - case study - Editor
The New Zealand Wine Company provides an example of an export company that has successfully taken on-board the call for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
- Credit Ratings: What do they actually mean? - Neville Giles, General Manager, Distribution | HANOVER GROUP LIMITED
A notable change in advertising by finance companies recently is the increasing prominence of credit ratings. Six companies (including UDC, South Canterbury, Marac, and Hanover) have ratings from global rating agencies such as Standard & Poorâs or Fitch Ratings. Legislation to be introduced shortly will make credit ratings mandatory for all finance companies.
- Insurance premiums on the rise - David Pine, NZIJ Risk Management Ltd
For various reasons we are likely to see an increase in fire and general insurance premiums across the board in 2008.
- Food or fuel? - Editor
Is the production of biofuel the answer to the worldâs fuel problems?
- There are bargains out there - Caglan Bagci, NZIJ Mortgages
In my line of work I find that I am constantly browsing the local real estate magazines. Lately I have noticed that there are some good buys out there.
- Emerging issues in global risk - Editor
In early January, the World Economic Forum released its latest report, Global Risks 2008. The report focuses on four emerging issues which will impact the world economy and society in the decade ahead.
- The global markets picture - compiled from information supplied by UBS
Global economic growth is expected to slow in 2008, led by a US slowdown. Nonetheless, the markets still offer scope for gains.
- Trends shaping our investment world - Fritz J de Boer, CFP | NZIJ FINANCIAL SERVICES LIMITED
Whatâs the big picture?
- Aussie shorts - Australian Economic Trends | LUMLEY GROUP
- Global shorts - Australian Economic Trends | LUMLEY GROUP
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