It’s an enviable record no other listed company can match. For more than 120 years, through major conflicts and economic upheaval, this diversified investment house has always kept shareholders top of mind, not missing a beat on the dividend front since listing in 1903.
APRA-regulated funds, especially profit-for-member funds, have had a good innings during the accumulation phase. It’s proving a different story in the decumulation phase with a growing number of members demanding a far more nuanced service.
The Inside Investor Market Update – April 14th
Here are the market headlines Australian investors need to know on April 14th.
OPEC Plus
The new name for 23 oil producing countries including Russia, finally agreed to oil production cuts totalling 9.7m barrels per day. Pressure continued to build as demand slowed to a crawl amid COVID-19 shutdowns and price falls placed further pressure on Saudi Arabia and Russia’s budget position.
Markets
Australian oil stocks including Woodside Petroleum Ltd (ASX: WPL), Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) will rebound.
However, the market more broadly is poised to open lower as the first quarter of US earnings season for 2020 begins.
Investors are looking at this period for some understanding of the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdowns, but will likely be disappointed. Expect positive signs from consumer staples, pharmaceutical and most technology companies.
COVID-19 Peaking
Signs that the Australian spread of COVID-19 remain under control continued over the weekend with just 36 and 44 new cases reporting on Sunday and Monday respectively.
With the apparent success of social distancing and travel quarantining measures, discussion is now turning towards how the economy can be switched back on before too much damage occurs.
First-move advantage will be key for Australia’s export driven economy.
