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.

What matters more than getting market forecasts right? 

Dalphin Hou and Brian Arcese unpack why successful investing is less about calling the next market move and more about being prepared for a range of outcomes. Join the conversation on what inflation, interest rates and changing market expectations could mean for investors. 

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR JULY 2026

July brought an uneasy sense of déjà vu to markets. The fragile ceasefire between America and Iran collapsed, missile exchanges resumed and the Strait of Hormuz was once again closed to traffic. Iran struck tankers in the Gulf, while its Houthi allies threatened Saudi oil shipments leaving the Red Sea. Brent crude rose by almost a quarter during the month, undoing much of June’s relief.

Markets in a Nutshell — AI Mania, Inflation and the real test for investors

In this month’s Markets in a Nutshell, Linda Eedes explores why valuation discipline, inflation resilience and portfolio diversification still matter.

AI: Opportunity with Caution

In our latest podcast, AI: Opportunity with Caution, Brian Arcese speaks to JC Xue about where we may be in the AI investment cycle - exploring why AI remains a compelling long-term opportunity, what growing market froth could signal for investors, and why companies are now likely to start optimising their AI spend.

Markets in a Nutshell — for June 2026

AI has captured the market’s imagination, but inflation may prove the more persistent test. Transformative technologies can create extraordinary long-term winners, but history shows that innovation-led booms often bring overvaluation and painful capital losses when too much capital chases too many opportunities at the wrong price. AI matters. But even the strongest investment themes can become risky when enthusiasm leaves little margin of safety. Meanwhile, the forces that helped keep inflation low for decades are beginning to unwind. Inflation may not dominate headlines like AI, but it remains one of the greatest threats to long-term purchasing power. In this month’s Markets in a Nutshell, Linda Eedes explores why valuation discipline, inflation resilience and portfolio diversification still matter.

Inflation — the quiet destroyer of capital

The great wealth transfer — stewardship is learned

The thrifty shopper is reshaping South African retail