Riding out market volatility: How ASB builds resilient portfolios
When markets shift, it's tempting to react - but doing so can lock in losses and put your long-term goals at risk. Learn how ASB portfolios are structured to navigate volatility and deliver strong investment outcomes through a disciplined, long-term approach.
News and views
September Wrap Up - Rockstar to rock bottom
New Zealand’s weak economic growth, highlighted by a 0.9% GDP decline last quarter, has weighed on local shares and the New Zealand dollar. This underlines the importance on building well-diversified portfolios, including offshore assets and currency exposure, to help deliver stronger risk-adjusted returns over time.
Read more in the September Wrap Up.
Quarterly Economic Forecasts
- NZ is starting to work its way out of what proved to be a sharp and deep recession in 2024, after the delayed effects of high interest rates hit hard
- Growth resumed at the end of 2024, aided by strength in exports
- Economic recovery is set to be gradual over 2025
Read more in our latest Quarterly Economic Forecasts report.
ASB Investment Podcast
The big picture: Global forces shaping your investments
In this episode, Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) welcomes Ben Powell (Chief Investment Strategist for APAC & Middle East, BlackRock Investment Institute) for a wide-angle look at the global investment landscape. They unpack BlackRock's 2025 Midyear Global Outlook, diving into the shifting macro anchors and the "mega forces" driving long-term change. Ben shares where he sees opportunity in today's complex environment - and what it means for investors planning ahead.
Investor confidence dips: What's driving the shift?
ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown joins host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) to unpack the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey results for Q2 2025. They explore why investor confidence has dipped to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic, and examine trends in demographic and regional sentiment. With signs that the worst of the slowdown is behind us, they discuss the economic outlook and offer timely insights and practical strategies for investors navigating today's uncertain and volatile environment.
Mood of the CFO: Economic outlook, policy shifts, and the future of NZ finance
Host Nigel Grant (Head of Wealth Product, ASB) is joined by Steve Cooper (CFO & COO, Parkable) and Lee Marshall (Managing Partner, Hunter Campbell) to unpack the latest Mood of the CFO report. They discuss the realities of New Zealand's two-speed economy, the economic outlook, and the policy changes CFOs are calling for. The conversation explores how finance leaders are navigating macroeconomic uncertainty, the rise of AI and technology in finance, and the ongoing challenges of talent and succession planning. Tune in for insights on board dynamics and the key issues shaping New Zealand's finance community in 2025.
To hear more from the ASB Investment Podcast, listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Invest with ASB
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Our managed funds have the potential to provide better long-term returns than savings accounts and term investments.
What our partnership with BlackRock means for you
We’ve appointed BlackRock to help us provide better investment outcomes to our customers. BlackRock, the world's largest investment management firm, will enhance our investment offering and will see our customers benefit from their global expertise, insights and market responsiveness.
For more on how they are adding value to your investments, click the links below:
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BlackRock Investment Management (Australia) Limited (BlackRock) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock, Inc is based in the US and is a leading global provider of investment management services. BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable.
Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and ASB Investment Funds (Schemes) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for the Schemes. No person guarantees interests in the Schemes. Interests in the Schemes are not deposits or other liabilities of ASB. They are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of income and principal invested. For more information see the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement or the ASB Investment Funds Product Disclosure Statement available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB).