In our view, the advent of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Investing has created an opportunity. ESG Investing promotes investing for the greater good and postulates that companies following ESG principles will deliver superior long-term financial performance. This creates an opportunity within companies who have been aggressively discounted for not exhibiting these principles.

As we slowly inch towards year end and quietly amongst ourselves hope for a relaxed festive season, economic and market developments are certainly cause for much excitement. November was all but a quiet month: rate hikes, a renomination at the Fed, Black Friday and a new variant of the Coronavirus; much to keep us focused. Read our last newsletter for 2021 by Ashley Knight, CFA, below.

While inflation and interest rates are on the increase, it appears as if global economic activity is slowing. Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, explains why we continue to believe that a more conservative stance is justified and prudent.

In this month’s newsletter, Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, looks at the evolving investment world and our continued focus on preserving and growing capital steadily over the long term.

In this month’s newsletter, Ashley Pedlar, CFA, gives a quick update on relevant tech news.

Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, comments on recent local and international developments.

Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, gives a quick update on the latest company news with added commentary regarding our outlook as South Africa continues on Alert Level 4.

The impact of the Coronavirus and the accompanying restrictions on the movement of people, goods and services, has had a significant impact on the global economy. Now, more than a year since South Africa’s first COVID-19 lockdown, Benjamin van Wyk (CFA) examines our positioning.

A responsible approach to portfolio construction and risk management for retirees and investors approaching retirement.

A recap of the recent budget speech. Overall, the government is aiming to reduce the budget deficit and stabilise the debt-to-GDP ratio. Over the past year, the budget deficit has doubled and the shortfall in revenue is approximated at R 213.2 billion. At current levels, this number is projected to increase, resulting in financing costs of R 338.6 billion for the 2023/2024 period. The Treasury has noted this fact and have based their strategy thereon with the aim to “return public finances to a sustainable position”.