by Warren Head | Mar 4, 2026 | Economy, Global Share Markets, Market Commentary
Financial and commodity markets are reacting to the fast-escalating regional conflict in the Middle East. ASB Bank this morning noted severe interruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and regional air routes. “Rising oil prices have ignited...
by Warren Head | Mar 3, 2026 | Latest News, Market Commentary
3.3.26 Investor confidence has lifted to 11% according to ASB’s latest Investor Confidence Survey for the fourth quarter to December 31 2025, a slight increase from 10% in Q3. The lower North Island reported the most significant rise, jumping from 3% in Q3 to 10% in...
by Warren Head | Mar 2, 2026 | Economy, Market Commentary
The Iranian capital Tehran 2.3.26 The financial market and international affairs commentators were today gripped by the situation in Iran – and the wider Middle East where aviation was disrupted and vessels anchored beyond the Persian Gulf. “The direct impact on New...
by Warren Head | Mar 1, 2026 | Featured, Market Commentary
1.3.26 // Warren Head // Global markets closed off a volatile February’s trading with another drop in confidence by markets related to the tremendous diversion of capital into the expansion of processing capacity by the A.I. industry, The US/Israeli military...
by Warren Head | Feb 21, 2026 | Featured, Market Commentary
Auckland Airport Arrivals 21.2.26 // Warren Head At the end of a mixed week of corporate results, and an encouraging tone from the Reserve Bank, the NZX equity market brought improved prices from a wide range of stocks. Despite a soft finish to the trading...
by Warren Head | Feb 17, 2026 | Market Commentary
17.2.26 Wednesday’s Monetary Policy Statement from the Reserve Bank will be pivotal – even though it is extremely unlikely there will be any change to the OCR, comments Nick Tuffley., chief economist at ASB Bank “It’s the big switch in the narrative in a short space...
