Beware of wacky stock market antics

An investment guide from Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel, above, with arguably his best-known work) is something you don't expect. (Image: Getty)

Simon Robertson

Sat, 27 Jan 2024

Wacky Wednesday is a children’s book written by Dr Seuss in 1974. Its 48 pages traverse a world of progressively wackier occurrences, where kids can point out that there is a picture frame upside-down, a palm tree growing in the toilet, an earthworm chasing a bird, etc. As the book progresses, the events get progressively wackier. In some respects, stock markets are similar as the year progresses. They all have their "wacky" moments, and there are wacky stocks that should just be avoided.Beyond the magic of compoundin...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

NZ sharemarket dragged down by a2, Ebos

The S&P/NZX 50 Index closed at 13,074.81, down 58.34 points or 0.44%.

Graham Skellern 03 Sep 2025

World

Australia’s second-quarter growth better than expected

The economy grew by 0.6% in the second quarter from the prior quarter.

The Wall Street Journal 03 Sep 2025

Australia’s second-quarter growth better than expected

Primary Sector

New rules cut red tape for food exporters

No need for special exemptions from Sept 25.

Rebecca Howard 03 Sep 2025

New rules cut red tape for food exporters

Sponsored

Are employers doing enough to prepare workers to retire well?

When one third of the New Zealand workforce is aged 55 or older – are employers doing enough to help them prepare for retirement?

Moneyfit

Sponsored

Bold Steps: reshaping women’s leadership in Aotearoa

Dame Therese Walsh and Dame Joan Withers reflect on the summit’s unlikely beginnings – and how it has evolved into a platform for ambition and impact today.

OnBeingBold