I am not sure if this past week leaves us much the wiser regarding market issues, but here's my latest take...

The US GDP growth rate we've been used to for over a 100 years - in excess of 3% a year - is not just hiding behind temporary setbacks. It is gone forever.

Just after I write on the improved economic news in China and the US, it turns less constructive. But not as bad as Japan. The outlook for the Yen is highly asymmetric.

We recommend moving to neutral risk weightings in portfolios until a favourable resolution of the US fiscal cliff becomes more likely. A malign outcome is a clear possibility.

I question whether anything has materially changed as a result of the US election and Chinese leadership handover. I feared a US status quo, but perhaps things are different.

The current financial advice model serving retirees is suboptimal.

Are investors being paid enough to take on risk in the current market? Are systemic risks just as bad as in 2007? What is the best risk mitigator?

Germany will not consider leaving the Eurozone unless the Euro threatens price stability. But this is a real risk.

The US is exporting coal, the West citizens is falling out of love with autos. Still bullish oil prices?

The new RBNZ governor has signed a slightly revised policy target agreement with a greater focus on financial stability - but for some this is not going far enough. The question is: should NZ join the global currency debasement race?

The field of emotional finance emphasises the difference between actual and perceived risk. Perceived risk may be at its lowest when actual risk is highest...

The Fed seems to have shifted the balance of its twin mandate, prioritising reducing unemployment. Meanwhile, we are in the early days of a 'new' China...

While consumers conduct more and more of their own research on their financial options, advisers are actually better placed to gain credibility and trust - largely through cloud computing - according to Brian Greer, national sales manager with Allied Kiwi, and a speaker at next week's Finology Conference in Auckland...

Western equity markets have been in a secular bear market since the year 2000. Are we close to or indeed at the end?

I have been doing lots of pondering, and there is one that has taken up more of my concerns than any other: China...

The financial advisory industry still has a long way to go before the public sees it as a well regulated profession that can be trusted, according to according to financial adviser, Martin Hawes, who will be presenting on the issues of building trust and working with retirees at next month's Finology Conference in Auckland...

Some firms that shifted to annual retainers are now shifting away from retainers and back to AUM pricing after a few years of business pain!

Clients are becoming more aware of their rights to take a grievance against their adviser while at the same time, regulation has instilled formal disputes processes. financialalert looked into factors influencing PI cover rates, what is actually covered, and what can advisers do themselves to mitigate the risk of a claim...

The mechanics of solving Europe's crisis are in place. The US's fiscal position is considerably worse and holds greater uncertainty...

Most of the reasons why clients come to your door involve stressful changes in their money situations and their lives. Here are some tools that can help you do a better job of helping people successfully navigate significant shifts in their financial lives...