Market & The Economy

Going back to November 2021 – just one year ago – the markets had given us some great returns. Being diversified would have seemed like an ineffective approach when growth assets were producing some impressive returns. But, it is amazing how quickly the tide can turn.

In asset management, fees are a contentious issue – particularly in South Africa, where fees charged for actively managed funds tend to be higher than elsewhere in the world. Do you get what you pay for? The answer is neither simple nor predictable.
This month we explore some recent claims on a popular investment news platform that try to draw a simple link between asset manager size, fees and performance.

The last three years have been stressful for investors, from Covid-19’s initial impact on stock markets to the war in Ukraine, global inflation concerns and a rising interest rate environment. When we watch the value of our portfolio drop it is almost impossible not to worry. In this newsletter we look back at some of the global stock market crashes and depressions that provide some important perspective for the first half of 2022.

In our review meetings we listen carefully to the questions our clients ask. Currently, most meetings end in conversations about the war in Ukraine, and the impact this will have on investments. Over the past few months it has become evident that many have become genuinely fearful about this situation, and the economic repercussions of the war.

This Political Research Note was prepared by JP Landman in his personal capacity. JP is an independent political and economic analyst and the opinions expressed in this article are his own and do not reflect the views of the Nedbank Group. Click here to read the full...

The announcement of South Africa’s best performing funds for 2021 has created an understandable flurry of excitement. With this come wild predictions on how to ride these waves, and reap rewards. But sometimes it’s better to take a deep breath and view these...