THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF WAR

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine strikes us as one of the most-expected unexpected events of recent times. Steeped in a revisionist ideal of Russian identity, President Putin is rattling the cage of the current world order. NICK CURTIN writes about the inflationary pressures that result from the war.

The cupboard is now bare

It is difficult to remember the heady days of the 2010 Soccer World Cup and the general sense of national euphoria and ‘gees’ we experienced. Business development manager Nick Curtin writes how the national mood is very different as we limp into 2021.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR MAY 2025

In our monthly podcast, ‘Markets in a nutshell’, Linda Eedes explores what made May 2025 one of the strongest months for equity markets in the past year and whether the rebound is built on solid ground. She also reflects on how Foord’s portfolios performed during the month, highlighting the value of cautious optimism and global diversification.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR MAY 2025

May brought a new pontiff to Rome and a fresh breeze to markets after Beijing and Washington stepped back from the tariff cliff. The two countries agreed to steeply cut bilateral tariffs and pause further escalations for 90 days. Investors cheered the news: US equities enjoyed their best month in over a year, with the S&P 500 Index jumping 6.2%. Developed market stocks rallied broadly, recovering strongly after April’s turmoil. Emerging markets gained less enthusiastically, with Chinese equities posting a more moderate rise.

Beyond Borders: Building Resilient Portfolios in a Low-Growth World

Join Wim Murray, JC Xue and Linda Eedes for insight into investment strategies for the slowing global economy. We will explore the undervalued South African franchises built to deliver in a low-growth economy and pivot to China’s world-class innovators that offer exciting entry points for astute, long-term investors.

From Underdog to Innovator: China’s High-Tech Ascent Amid Trade Tensions

In this episode, Foord portfolio managers Brian Arcese and JC Xue discuss the recent US-China 90-day tariff rollback and what it means for the future of trade and investment. They explore China’s shift toward high-tech innovation despite sanctions and how this is reshaping the country’s economy and long-term growth prospects.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR APRIL 2025

In our monthly podcast, ‘Markets in a nutshell’, Linda Eedes unpacks the month shaped by Trump’s surprise tariff announcement, which rattled global markets and rekindled fears of a trade war and US recession. From equity market whiplash and a rare bond sell-off to gold’s ascent and copper’s slump, she explores the mounting signs of economic strain.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR APRIL 2025

April began as if the markets had fallen victim to an April Fool’s joke — but investors weren't laughing. US President Trump’s much anticipated ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs took effect on 2 April, and all countries suffered a 10% baseline tariff. Additional reciprocal tariffs targeted 60 countries and territories with swingeing duties in proportion to their trade surpluses with the US. China was hit especially hard in aggregate.

Investing With Confidence for Safety and Growth

In an increasingly unpredictable global market, uncertainty continues to dominate the investment landscape. From inflation and interest rate volatility to geopolitical conflict and currency instability, investors face a complex array of risks. In such a climate, sound investment decisions go beyond chasing short-term gains — they require a clear focus on capital protection, risk management, and long-term resilience. Investment professional LINDA EEDES explains how Foord is positioning portfolios to balance growth with resilience.

SA Equities — Beyond the Gloom

South Africa's stock market has endured a challenging decade marked by sluggish economic growth, policy uncertainty, and capital flight. The advent of the GNU brought with it the prospect of political stability, and the market subsequently rerated. Recently, tariffs and GNU-worries have again seen certain SA Inc. counters retrace. Portfolio manager WIM MURRAY looks at some exciting long-term opportunities now on offer for discerning investors.