Investors are being advised to take a hard look at their risks to ensure they can weather the ongoing volatility that has been unsettling global markets.
NZX Top 50 index had some dramatic ups and downs in 2018, rising to a record high to 9381 in September from a year's low of 8031 in February.
The NZX rose to a record high in September 2018 Photo: Supplied / NZX
"It has been a very mixed year with a bit of a rollercoaster and lots of volatiity later in the year," Craigs Investment Partners head of wealth research Mark Lister said.
Mr Lister said the local market had been unsettled by slowing growth, rising interest rates in parts of the world and lots of geopolitical risk.
Infrastructure stocks, such as Auckland Airport and Port of Tauranga, and power companies would probably weather the storm better than others.
"Some of the high quality growth stocks are also holding up well. Mainfreight and other businesses are managing to still grow and do some interesting things despite some of the risks you're seeing out there.
He said the bumpy ride was likely to continue with US-China trade tensions and Brexit uncertainty.
"It is definitely a time for playing it a little bit safer and making sure you stick to good quality companies and not take any undue risks."
"There are certainly areas of positivity but it does feel like markets will be two steps forward, one step back."