Exhibition is a timely event in volatile year

Press, 20 February 1986, Page 32

Exhibition is a timely event in volatile year

The New Zealand sharemarket has provided many good opportunities for investors in recent years — so good, in fact, that it has been one of the best-performed equity markets in the world in

three of the past five years. The period immediately ahead is unlikely to be as smooth as the transition to a freer, more competitive economy faces its biggest test.

This is also the year of tax changes, with the introduction of GST, and of further deregulation within the finance sector, particularly affecting the stock exchange. That is likely to see a number of changes in the operations of sharebrokers, and a growing diversity in the services offered by different firms.

The Christchurch Money Show, coming after a successful maiden event in Auckland late last year, is particularly timely for South Island investors at the start of a fascinating, but possibly volatile, year. At the. same time/the South Island corporate sector is becoming increasingly active, with reconstruction of many industries and a spate of new company floats which produced some of the more interesting additions to the Stock Exchange boards last year. The show is also timely for Jordan Sandman Smythe, who have responded to deregulation by expanding beyond their Auckland base, first with the opening of a Wellington office last year and, this month, the opening of a new Christchurch office, headed by one of its most experienced members, Mr Tim de Castro, one of the seven partners in the firm (and Christchurch-reared to boot). Jordan Sandman Smythe is the first North Island sharebroker to

open an office in Christchurch. As one of the largest and most experienced sharebroking firms in Auckland, it is deeply involved in New Zealand business and, with deregulation is now pleased to be able to extend its already strong South Island connections. Their operations have expanded with New Zealand business; to cover a broad spectrum of the investment area. With more than 70 staff, the firm’s services include an experienced equity advising team, backed by one of New Zealand’s best-equipped research departments, a respected corporate section which has advised and handled many of New Zealand’s big ' mergers and new company listings. Also New Zealand’s first specialist Australian investment advisor, a futures department which is a founding member of the New Zealand futures exchange, mortgage finance, personalised funds management, and one of the country’s leading independent money market and fixed interest dealers. In difficult times risk management becomes more important Good portfolio management the ability, to easily switch funds between markets to maximise profit and the combined input of three main locations will, the company believes, bring a new level of service to important Christchurch investors.