For the first time.
All the biggest Investment News NZ (IN NZ) stories of 2018 have been assembled in one spectacular list!
Incredibly, this year the TOP 10 IN NZ greatest hits does not feature a starring performance from a platform player. Not even the $2.3 billion price paid for two-thirds of FNZ in October could push platforms up the charts.
(As an aside, the happy ending for FNZ still scored over 1,000 views, ranking 17th on the IN NZ all-time 2018 best-seller list.)
But 2018 was all about the institutions. Fully half of the HOT 10 IN NZ stories focused on major changes at one bank or another. Or AMP.
In fact, readers both bought the rumour of a potential sale of AMP NZ (number one with a bullet) and were sold the fact (coming in at nine on the dial) as the Royal Commission-based business confirmed an IPO was on the cards.
Elsewhere, the departure (at opposite ends of the year) of two ANZ stalwarts – CIO Graham Ansell and head of wealth, Ana-Marie Lockyer – shimmied into contention.
Another perennial favourite, KiwiSaver, filled out a further three spots in the top of the pops, including (not their real names):
- ‘CGT and Me’ by Sir Michael Cullen;
- Pie’s ‘Flat-fee PIEs’; and,
- IN NZ’s own recurring KiwiSaver hit, ‘In its Prime’
Finally, the, now-staunched, rush to the exit at Trustees Executors early in 2018 also caught the zeitgeist in 2018.
Wait there’s one more: it’s an oldie but a goodie. Originally published in June 2017, legendary All Black Andrew Mehrtens’ return from the land of Oz to take up a foreign exchange role with BNZ was the fourth most-popular story of 2018 (number two last year).
Rugby eh? Or maybe it’s currency. Either way, he kicks; he clicks.
1: AMP NZ ‘imminent sale rumoured
2: CGT, PIE, KiwiSaver changes mooted in tax report
3: New KiwiSaver scheme emerges from regulatory oven
4: Mehrts kicks Sydney job, scores top FX role with BNZ
5: Staff turnover continues at Trustees
6: ANZ Investments chief hands in notice
7: Product and advice separate under BNZ wealth rejig
8: KiwiSaver in its prime: free Year 11 report now live
9: AMP sells NZ life, IPO for wealth
10: Lockyer exits ANZ; Doyle replacement tipped at JBWere
Thanks to all the readers, advertisers and informants who made 2018 another hit and click year for IN NZ. Wishing everyone a great Christmas season and a top New Year.
IN NZ returns to the platform some time in January…