Senior Portfolio Manager Jacques Simpson explores the recent trend of Chinese firms providing free releases of AI models into the market and asks what it might mean for the ‘Magnificent Seven’ stocks that represent roughly one-third of S&P 500 capitalisation…
Last week, oil prices edged lower as negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz gained momentum. Locally, July producer price inflation eased, reflecting softer fuel costs, while broader price pressures across manufacturing remained contained….
Senior Portfolio Manager Jacques Simpson explores the macro drivers of the recent sell off in the US Treasury market and what the next 6 months might hold…
Last week, headlines were dominated by President Trump’s threat to bomb Oman amid the US–Iran dispute. Locally, July inflation and retail data pointed to easing price pressures and softer consumer demand.
Head of Fixed Income, Qhivi Tiva, explores recent economic developments and the geopolitics that have driven them, and the potential consequences for South African markets.
Our investment team argues that South African credit has repriced from “cheap and overlooked” to “tight but still workable”, with opportunities moving from broad exposure to careful selection.
Senior Portfolio Manager, Jacques Simpson, looks at what has driven asset class returns over the past period and discusses what might impact them moving forwards.
Last week, tensions between the US and Iran remained elevated, with Tehran signalling that the conflict could continue until 2029 and Washington maintaining that it could enforce a naval blockade indefinitely. In South Africa, mining output contracted in the second quarter, while the unemployment rate rose to its highest level since 2022.
Markets remained unsettled by tensions in the Middle East last week, while early July activity data presented mixed signals…
Last week, global central banks faced a heavy policy agenda, with both the US Federal Reserve’s FOMC and the UK’s MPC ultimately choosing to keep rates unchanged. Locally, South Africa’s fiscal accounts showed a turnaround, with the government moving from deficit into surplus.
