The real difference between ETFs and index funds and how to pick the right investment for you. 

What's the Difference Between Index Funds and ETFs

What the NZX is, how it compares to Australia and the US, and what every Kiwi investor should know before buying in.

Understanding the NZX: New Zealand’s Share Market

Choose the right global index fund for your portfolio with this guide to Kernel’s Global 100, Global ESG, World ex-US, and Total World funds. Learn the differences in diversification, US exposure, and sustainability for NZ investors.

Choose the right global index fund for your portfolio with this guide. Learn the differences in diversification, US exposure, and sustainability for NZ investors.

Global 100, Global ESG, World ex-US or Total World? Choosing the right global index fund for you 

Introducing the Kernel Total World Fund: one fund for global exposure, with a 0.12% p.a. management fee, no transaction fees, and PIE tax treatment.

Own the World in One Fund

Over 60,000 Kiwi’s trust us with their savings, investments and KiwiSaver, and we take that responsibility seriously. Here's how your money is protected with Kernel.

How Safe is My Investment?

How to talk to your kids about money - a full guide with age and stage recommendations, learning resources, and tips from a parent in the financial industry.

How Talking to Your Kids About Money Could Set Them up for Life

Investing in index funds in NZ is a great way to grow your wealth. Read our guide before you start investing to learn everything you need to know.

Index Funds in New Zealand

Thinking of investing in the ASX? Learn how the Australian share market works for Kiwis, including the FIF tax exemption, franking credits, and how to avoid hidden tax pitfalls.

How ASX Investing Works for Kiwis

What’s the best investment in New Zealand? We’ve taken a closer look at the most popular options, and assessed their pros and cons to help you decide. 

What’s the best investment in New Zealand? We’ve taken a closer look at the most popular options and assessed their pros and cons to help you decide. 

The Best Ways to Invest Money in NZ

The definitive guide to KiwiSaver, including how to join and pick a KiwiSaver provider, set goals, and how much you need for retirement.

The comprehensive KiwiSaver guide, including all you need to know on risk, investment options, providers and getting the most from your fund.

All You Need to Know About KiwiSaver

Doing nothing is often the hardest but best strategy. Learn how to separate market volatility from your long-term plan and when to actually make changes.

The Art of Staying the Course: Why Doing Nothing is Often the Hardest (and Best) Strategy

Is property or shares the better investment in NZ? Explore the pros and cons of leverage, passive income, and long-term returns to find the right strategy for you.

Property vs Shares in New Zealand: Which Is the Better Investment?

blog header image_how to perfectly time the stock market

Investors tell us they worry about timing the stock market. What if they invest and a crash happens? Here's how to time the stock market perfectly.

How to Perfectly Time the Stock Market

New to investing? No worries. Consider these investment strategies designed for beginner investors who want returns without all the work of picking stocks. 

5 Investment Strategies for Beginners and Busy People

Learn what ETFs are and how they work in our NZ guide - including everything you need to know about fees, how to buy, and diversification. 

What are ETFs and how do they work in NZ?

Learn how to start investing in your 50s after divorce or life’s curve balls. Explore cash vs funds, property trade‑offs, and tools to plan for retirement.

Investing in Your 50s After Life’s Curveballs

Are you keen to invest in shares in NZ? There’s a lot to learn and several decisions to make - check out our guide to buying shares to get started. 

How to Invest in Shares NZ

Find out how to start investing in New Zealand, with the complete Kernel guide for investment newbies. 

How to Start Investing in NZ

Putting your savings in the right place could change your future for the better. To help you make a good decision, we’ve created a guide on how to choose a KiwiSaver fund. 

How to choose a KiwiSaver fund

When investing, you may consider ETFs, shares and unlisted funds. We’ve explored the pros and cons of each to help you make informed decisions. 

ETFs vs Shares vs Unlisted Funds: Which is Right for You?

Buying individual shares can be a riskier, more volatile strategy, but it can be very rewarding. Kernel Shares & ETFs provides an easy way to do it - is it right for you?

So, You Want to Buy Shares: Are Kernel Shares & ETFs Right for You? 

In this blog, we will dive into the key differences between these three options, providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Choosing Between Bonds, Cash and Term Deposits

We’ve seen several investors make these 6 mistakes, but thankfully they’re easy to avoid. Read this article to make sure you’re not falling into the same traps. 

6 Mistakes Many Investors Are Making (and How to Avoid Them)

Core-satellite investing is a portfolio balancing strategy that every good investor needs to understand. We’ve created a handy guide to help you get your head around the concept. 

Core-satellite: A strategy every investor needs to understand

Are investing in emerging markets right for you? This guide breaks down what you need to know before making a decision. 

Should You Invest in Emerging Markets?

Kernel’s new product, Kernel Shares & ETFs, enables you to buy shares and ETFs directly from the US market in NZD, & it’s designed as the perfect complement to Kernel Funds. Find out how and why they fit together. 

Kernel’s new product, Kernel Shares & ETFs, enables you to buy shares and ETFs directly from the US market in NZD. Find out how and why they fit together. 

Like sauce on a PIE: How Kernel Shares & ETFs complements Kernel Funds

There’s a new way to invest in shares & it’s easier than ever with the Kernel platform. And just like our other products it’s designed for simplicity and low fees. 

Kernel Shares & ETFs: A new way to invest in the US share market

Learn how tax is calculated when investing in Kernel funds, including the differences between NZ and international shares and ensuring you're paying the right tax rate. | Kernel Wealth 

Tax can be complicated, but we've made it simple when investing with Kernel. Find out how it works. 

How Does Tax Work When Investing in Kernel Funds?

Originally ridiculed by Wall Street, who argued “what investor would want to settle for ‘average’?", index investing has gone on to fundamentally reshape the way many investors think about investing and building long-term wealth.

Once dismissed by Wall Street—“Who wants ‘average’?”—index investing has reshaped how many investors approach long-term wealth building. Learn more.

Active vs Passive Investing: Are You Settling For Average?

Cash out or reinvest your dividends? Find out why it's important for investors to have a plan when it comes to reinvesting dividends.

Dividends & Distributions Explained: The Case for Reinvesting

If you're wanting to invest a lump sum of money - how best do you do this? We explain when you should drip-feed in into the market or invest the whole lot.

How to Invest A Lump Sum of Money

Are you thinking about starting to invest? You don’t need to know as much as you might think. Here are five simple principles to get started.

Starting to Invest – 5 Things All Investors Need to Know

In August 2024, we experienced a $6.4 trillion USD decrease in the share markets leaving even seasoned investors unsettled. What lessons can we learn from this?

In August 2024, we experienced a $6.4 trillion USD decrease in the share markets leaving even seasoned investors unsettled. Learn more in our blog.

Lessons from August 2024: How Markets Rebounded and What We Learned 

Target maturity bond funds are an interesting alternative to direct bond investments or term deposits. Find out why in our blog. 

How Target Maturity Bond Funds Are Changing The Game 

In the third part of our series on dividends, we delve into the effectiveness of dividend investing for long-term wealth. We compare the outcomes of cashing out dividends versus reinvesting them to understand the best approach for maximizing returns.

In the third part of our series on dividends, we compare the outcomes of cashing out dividends versus reinvesting them to understand the best approach for maximizing returns.

Dividends vs Portfolio Drawdown : Part 3

Nathalie and Ross are always looking at how they can diversify their portfolio while taking a lower risk, long-term approach to investing.

Investor Stories: Nathalie & Ross Ong

Wondering whether you should invest in the NZ 50 Fund or the NZ 20 Fund? Find out why the NZ20 is our index fund of choice in our blog.

The NZ 20 vs NZ 50

Our latest rebalance highlights adjustments in the NZ20 fund, with Infratil's capital raise impacting its weighting. Learn more notable changes in our latest blog.

Our latest rebalance highlights significant adjustments in the NZ20 fund, with Infratil's capital raise impacting its weighting. Learn more notable changes in our latest blog.

Latest Index Fund Rebalancing: June 2024

Dividend growth strategies have become increasingly popular among retail investors due to the appeal of passive income. But is this strategy great for building long term wealth?

Is Investing for Dividends Bad for Long Term Wealth? Part 2

Everyone loves a dividend. Getting paid simply by owning shares in a company feels good. But is it ultimately the best outcome for you or the company to do so?

Should Companies Pay High Dividends? Part 1

The Magnificent Seven, the crypto rollercoaster and peaks in US treasury yields. It's safe to say, 2023 was an interesting year all around. But what could we expect in 2024?  

4 Money Trends We Could Expect in 2024 

a man wearing white sitting on some stairs

Young, debt free and with a high appetite for risk, Jervis is investing in Kernel funds, private equity, crypto and more.

Investor Stories: Jervis Koo

AI is coming, tax policy changes and boring investing is back  - find out what these themes can mean for investors in 2024.

Market Update: AI is Coming, Tax Policy Changes and Boring Investing is Back  

Interested in bond investments? Discover the risks and benefits to help you decide if you should invest in bonds. | Kernel Wealth 

Interested in bond investments? Discover the risks and benefits to help you decide if you should invest in bonds.

Should You Invest In Bonds?

blog header image_beginner investor story_ryan potter

Using a set and for get approach, investor Ryan Potter is aiming to achieve his goal of creating intergenerational wealth for his family.

Investor Stories: Ryan Potter

Meet Kernel investor James, a proud Hawkes Bay local who enjoys the sea and scenic landscapes of his hometown, Napier. Find out how he's using Kernel to reach his financial goals.

Meet James, a proud Hawkes Bay local who enjoys the sea and scenic landscapes of his hometown, Napier. Find out how he's using Kernel to reach his financial goals.

Investor Stories: James Bedingfield

One of the key factors in investment decision making is understanding what liquidity is - when you need it, and which investments provide it. 

What is Liquidity Anyway?

Want to switch KiwiSaver providers but unsure where to start? Learn when and how to move to a KiwiSaver provider suited to your needs. 

How to Switch KiwiSaver Providers or Funds

blog header image_investing locally vs globally

What proportion of your portfolio should you consider having in global vs NZ shares? We help you decide in our blog.

Home & Away – Investing in Global vs NZ Shares 

A lot has been happening around the world recently - rising bonds, an nz election and more. Find out what this means for you as an investor. 

Market Update: Rising Bond Yields, NZ Election Impact and Cash is Still King

Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned pro, now you can build a portfolio of low-cost, well-diversified Kernel funds, easily.

How Can Kernel Funds Fit Together?

With everyone's needs and goals being unique, how should you approach building your index fund portfolio for long-term success? Read more to find out.

How to Build an Investment Portfolio Using Index Funds in NZ

While an index fund is often referred to as being “passively managed” there is actually plenty of action happening behind the scenes. One of them includes regular rebalances.

Index Rebalancing: What Is It And How Does it Work?

Global equity funds can provide a simple, convenient and cost-effective way to invest by allowing investors to indirectly own a small part of large international companies.

Diversifying With Purpose: The Role Of Global Equity Index Funds 

In today's episode of Ask Kernel, we chat to Craig Lazzara about what SPIVA is. Haven't heard of it? Well you better press play!

Have you heard of the concept SPIVA but not quite sure what it entails? We dive into how SPIVA is used to evaluate the effectiveness of active management strategies.

What is SPIVA?

The Kernel Global ESG Fund is a globally diversified index fund aligned with the objectives of the 2016 Paris Agreement, with customer requested ESG considerations. Read to find out more.  

The Kernel Global ESG Fund is a globally diversified index fund aligned with the objectives of the 2016 Paris Agreement, with ESG considerations. Read to find out more.

Introducing the Kernel Global ESG Fund, a Paris Aligned index fund

blog header image_ investor reading_top 10 personal finance books for kiwis

There is a range of personal finance books to help improve your financial knowledge and long-term wealth creation. Find out our favourites.

There is a range of personal finance books to help improve your financial knowledge and long-term wealth creation. Check out our favourites.

Top 10 Personal Finance Books for Kiwis

blog header image_3 reasons to invest christmas cash

Wondering whether to save or invest your Christmas cash? Read our blog to find out 3 reasons why investing it is the way to go.

3 reasons to invest your Christmas cash

Hedging: What is it and How Does it Work? | Kernel Wealth

Did you know that currency fluctuations can actually affect the value of your investments? Find out what this means for you and how currency hedging can minimise this effect.

Hedging: What is it and How Does it Work? 

ETFs and index funds are not the same thing and if you're a passive investor in New Zealand, you really should be investing through an Index Fund.

Why ETFs Are Unsuitable for New Zealand Investors

Listed vs unlisted investments blog header

The structure of an investment is important to consider when choosing which asset to invest in. Why? Find out in our blog.

The structure of an investment is important to consider when choosing which asset to invest in. Why? Find out here.

Listed and Unlisted Investments: What’s the difference?

The first part of a rebound is the fastest and you don’t want to be sitting on the sideline for that. We answer the question Should I Invest Now?

The first part of a rebound is the fastest and you don’t want to be sitting on the side-line for that. We answer the question Should I Invest Now?

The Market has Crashed. Should I Invest Now?

Two professionals doing work in the office

At what point do you need a financial adviser? Is continuing to take the DIY investing approach a good idea? Find out in our blog. 

In recent years there has been an explosion in DIY investing, supported by the birth of user-friendly, low-cost, investment platforms.

DIY Investing vs Financial Advisors: When, Why, How?

Time and time again the data shows that actively managed funds result in underperformance compared to simply owning a well-diversified index fund.

Majority of Actively Managed Funds Continue to Underperform

A firm believer of the set and forget strategy, this 20 year old is taking advantage of that sweet, sweet compounding interest. Read more about Kernel investor, Ben Hutchison.

Kernel investor Ben Hutchison tells us his lessons from his personal finance journey, and why he likes to set and forget. Read his investor story.

Investor Stories: Ben Hutchison

if you want something for tracking your spending and savings over time, a spreadsheet or a budgeting tool is the next step for managing your finances!

If you want something for tracking your spending and savings over time, a spreadsheet or a budgeting tool is the next step for managing your finances!

5 Budgeting Tools To Sort Your Finances

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Often investors use tax savings to drive which investments (and therefore provider) they choose. But should they be?

Why Tax Shouldn’t Solely Drive Your Investment Decisions

Knowing how to invest for your child's future can often feel overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. Find out what to consider.

Knowing how to invest for your child's future can often feel overwhelming. But it doesn't need to be. 

How to Invest for Your Child’s Future

Wondering where to start with engaging a financial adviser or looking to change things up? We explain where and how to start your search.

A Financial Adviser’s Worth: When and How to Work With One

A couple taking photos with Alpaccas in the background

Kernel investors Chris and Rosemary reassessed their lives and started planning for their financial future. Read their investor story.

Investor Stories: Chris and Rosemary Honiss

Without an investment strategy, how do you know whether you'll meet your short, medium and long term goals?

How Do I Choose the Right Investment Strategy for Me?

Making changes to your investment portfolio should be driven by a change in circumstance or the economic landscape. Find out why.

When and How Should I Be Rebalancing My Investment Portfolio?

Since 2018, sustainable investing has been on the rise both locally and globally. But what's driving this popularity? Find out in our blog.

Since 2018, sustainable investing has been on the rise both locally and globally. But what's driving this popularity?

Three Forces Accelerating Sustainable Investing

We’ve all heard the disclaimer “past performance is no indicator of future returns” thrown around or reinforced by financial providers (ourselves included!). 

Why Past Performance is No Indicator of Future Returns

Wondering how to save or invest for your child's future? In this blog we highlight a few key concepts for saving and investing for kids.

Investing for Kids: A Guide on How to Save and Invest For Your Children

blog header image_stephen upton investor story

Kernel investor, Stephen, has plenty of experience when it comes to investing...and he's learnt a lesson or two along the way. Find out more.

Kernel investor, Stephen, has plenty of experience when it comes to investing...and he's learnt a lesson or two along the way. 

Investor Stories: Stephen Upton

Often the S&P 500 index or ETF can be a go-to for many NZ investors, but is it the most suitable investment option? Find out in our blog.

Often the S&P 500 index or ETF can be a go-to for many NZ investors, but is it the most suitable investment option? 

S&P 500 vs S&P Global 100: Which Should I Invest In?

blog header image_investor stories_christine jensen

Starting investing young, Christine takes a 'learn by doing' approach to investing. As an investor she's working towards financial freedom.

Investor Stories: Christine Jensen

In today’s environment, how are we to afford our first home? Are traditional methods working for us now? Or is it becoming harder to get on the property ladder?

In today’s environment, how are we to afford our first home? Are traditional methods – earning an income then saving up a lump sum in the bank for the deposit – working for us now?

Investing in Property: Why You Can’t Save Your Way to First Home Ownership

How do you know when to sell your investments? If the share price is down, should you be crystallising your losses?

Crystallising Losses: When to Sell Your Investments

Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned investor, here you can find everything you need to know about investing in the share markets.

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