Are New Zealand shares finally poised for a turnaround? Since the COVID lockdowns, the New Zealand share market has struggled, down 12%, while the United States market has surged 69%. With local shares lagging, is this the moment for a rebound?

Mortgage rates have stabilised, consumer spending is on the rise, and farmers and exporters are back at the forefront. With valuations looking more attractive than ever, where are the biggest opportunities to capitalise on this shift?

This week, Casey Keiper, Portfolio Manager at NZ Funds, joins James Grigor, Investment Strategist, to discuss the outlook for New Zealand shares and the factors driving the potential recovery. Join us to learn how NZ Funds, as an active manager, is positioning client portfolios to seize these emerging opportunities.

Less than a month ago, the S&P 500 hit a record high. Now it’s down 10%, sparking media headlines. But despite the drop, United States shares are still up over 8% in the past year. Market swings like this are normal, and not all global markets are reacting the same way. While Trump’s trade policies dominate the conversation, they’re just one piece of a bigger picture.

This week, Mark Brooks, Chief Investment Officer at NZ Funds, joins James Grigor, Investment Strategist, to discuss these market swings. Is this a routine correction or something bigger? Are recession concerns justified, or is the noise drowning out the facts? With Trump touting economic strength while markets retrace, what’s the bigger risk – staying in or stepping out? And how can long-term investors use volatility to their advantage?

The global order is shifting with rising autocracies, evolving alliances, and rapid technological advancements redefining international stability, trade and security – presenting important questions about New Zealand’s geopolitical position and economic direction.

Joining us from New York, Alex Grigor is an expert in international relations, cyberwarfare and AI. With over 20 years of experience, he has advised governments on foreign policy, co-authored AI and cybersecurity white papers, and worked as a geopolitical analyst, providing insights into the forces shaping our world.

We examine the role of cyberwarfare and AI in modern geopolitics and the impact of shifting alliances, including the significance of Chinese warships in the Tasman Sea. We will also explore what these macro-developments mean for global stability and trade, and how investors in New Zealand can think about the evolving landscape.