For New Zealand investors the message is clear: combining classical economic principles with modern portfolio theory, can lead to better financial outcomes, writes Nick Stewart.
Nick Stewart is a financial adviser and CEO at Stewart Group.
OPINION
As Scotland celebrates St Andrew’s Day this Saturday, November 30, it’s fitting to reflect on one of Scotland’s greatest minds, Adam Smith, who is considered the father of modern economics for his work in pioneering ideas such as free trade and the gross domestic product (GDP).
In our clan household, we’ll be marking the occasion with a timeless Scottish classic: chicken breast stuffed with haggis and wrapped in bacon, a dish that perfectly marries Scottish tradition with modern culinary flair, much like how Smith’s economic principles have evolved to shape contemporary finance.
Smith’s seminal work, The Wealth of Nations (1776), revolutionised our understanding of economics and markets. The text introduced the concept of the “invisible hand” - the idea that free markets, driven by individual self-interest, can benefit society as a whole. Smith argued that when individuals pursue their own economic interests, they inadvertently promote the greater good through a natural mechanism of mutual benefit and competition.
This revolutionary concept challenged the prevailing mercantilism of his time, which emphasised government control of trade and accumulation of precious metals.
Instead, Smith advocated for free markets where prices, wages, and production would be determined by supply and demand rather than royal edicts or government intervention. He observed that the baker doesn’t provide bread out of benevolence but from self-interest, yet this very pursuit of profit ensures communities have access to essential goods and services.
Smith’s insights went beyond simple market mechanics. He understood that specialisation and division of labour would lead to unprecedented economic efficiency - famously illustrated through his example of a pin factory where workers, each focusing on specific tasks, could produce far more pins together than working individually. This principle of specialisation remains relevant today, particularly in financial markets where professional managers and financial advisers help Kiwis build wealth for their futures.
The evolution of financial theory
The journey from Smith’s classical economics to contemporary investment strategies is marked by significant innovations.
Eugene Fama, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2013, revolutionised our understanding of financial markets through his efficient market hypothesis (EMH). Along with Kenneth French, Fama developed the famous “three-factor model”, which identified that a portfolio’s expected return isn’t just about market risk - it’s also influenced by company size and value factors.
For New Zealand investors, these insights are particularly relevant. Our market, being relatively small and isolated, demonstrates how these factors play out in practice. Small-cap NZX companies often show different risk-return characteristics compared to larger firms, while value stocks have historically performed differently from growth stocks.
The property paradox: When the invisible hand meets government intervention
New Zealand’s enduring love affair with residential property presents an interesting challenge to Smith’s free market principles. While property investment has traditionally been seen as a path to wealth for many Kiwis, it represents a departure from the efficient market theories championed by Fama and French. Real estate is inherently illiquid, locally concentrated, and increasingly subject to the “visible hand” of government intervention.
The sixth Labour Government’s regulatory changes - from extended bright-line tests to interest deductibility limitations - demonstrate how property investment can be vulnerable to policy shifts. This stands in stark contrast to the more liquid, globally diversified investment opportunities available through financial markets.
The recent policy changes have shown that relying too heavily on property can expose investors to concentrated regulatory risk, something Smith might argue distorts the natural equilibrium of the market.
The critical role of financial planning
In today’s complex investment landscape, the importance of professional financial advice cannot be overstated. While Smith’s invisible hand guides market efficiency, navigating these markets requires expertise and strategic planning. A comprehensive financial plan serves as a roadmap, helping investors balance their property aspirations with other investment opportunities while managing risks and tax implications.
Professional financial advice helps Kiwis make informed decisions about their wealth creation journey, taking into account:
Practical applications for Kiwi investors
How can New Zealanders apply these theoretical insights to their financial planning? The key lies in understanding three fundamental principles:
1. Diversification matters: Smith’s invisible hand works best when markets are broad and competitive. For Kiwi investors, this means looking beyond both the relatively small NZX market with its concentration in a few sectors (particularly primary industries and utilities) and the traditional focus on residential property. International diversification, particularly into larger markets, can help reduce risk and capture global growth opportunities.
2. Factor investing: The Fama-French model suggests that tilting portfolios toward small-cap and value stocks might enhance returns over time. However, this needs to be balanced against New Zealand’s unique market characteristics and individual risk tolerance.
3. Cost-effective implementation: Modern investment vehicles like index funds and ETFs make it easier than ever for New Zealanders to access diversified, factor-based investment strategies at reasonable costs.
The value of professional guidance
Just as Smith recognised the power of specialisation in driving economic efficiency, today’s investors benefit from specialised financial knowledge. A qualified financial adviser can help:
Looking forward
As we celebrate St Andrew’s Day and reflect on Adam Smith’s legacy, it’s clear that his principles of free markets and rational self-interest continue to evolve and adapt. Modern financial theory, exemplified by the work of Fama and French, provides a framework for making better investment decisions.
For New Zealand investors, the message is clear: combining classical economic principles with modern portfolio theory, supported by professional advice, can lead to better financial outcomes. Whether you’re just starting with KiwiSaver or managing a complex investment portfolio, understanding these fundamental principles can help guide better decision-making.
The invisible hand that Smith described continues to work its magic in today’s financial markets, but now we have better tools to harness its power. By applying these insights thoughtfully and seeking professional guidance, Kiwi investors can work toward building more secure financial futures while contributing to the overall economic well-being Smith envisioned nearly 250 years ago.
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