MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR JANUARY 2025

January started well for investors, despite threats to US tech valuations and newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump’s opening salvo of executive orders rattling markets. But it was European bourses that rallied most — rising over 8% — on earnings beats and hopes for an early resolution to the war in Ukraine.

Global Themes Shaping the 2020s - with Nick Balkin & Rashaad Tayob

The first half of the 2020s brought major changes, from the pandemic's aftermath to rising interest rates and geopolitical unrest. The second half promises more transformation, with fiscal pressures, technological shifts, political changes, and evolving global power dynamics. Investors will face challenges and opportunities. Join Nick Balkin, Rashaad Tayob, and host Linda Eedes for a webinar exploring six key trends shaping the rest of the decade. Discover how these trends might affect markets and the strategies Foord uses to protect and grow investor wealth through all market cycles.

Update On The Multiple-Counsellor Manager Mix for 2025

Foord has successfully operated a multiple-counsellor system for the management of investment portfolios for the past 15 years. Managing Director PAUL CLUER provides an update to investors on changes for 2025.

Food Producers — Back On The Menu

Historically, the Food Producers sector on the JSE Limited has been unloved, for understandable reasons. However, the sector has heated up and was one of the best performing sectors on the local bourse in 2024. Equity analyst DHERSAN CHETTY revisits the investment case and explains why the Foord Equity Fund was a big investor in food producers.

The Trump Trade — What The Second Trump Presidency Could Mean For Markets

Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office in January 2025 has reignited debate about his ‘America First’ approach and its impact on global markets. Portfolio Manager RASHAAD TAYOB gives his perspective on the Trump Trade.

It's Still A Minefield Out There — How To Thrive In 2025

Five of Foord’s seasoned portfolio managers each pitched an investment scenario that investors may need to navigate in looking to thrive in 2025. From a ‘boring is better’ defensive approach to reasons why hospitals could deliver healthy returns despite NHI concerns, the panel — moderated by Linda Eedes — offered the following insights to help investors remain resilient amidst global uncertainty.

2024 in Review

Last year was one of political upheaval and geopolitical tension, with key events shaping markets and influencing investment outcomes worldwide. Portfolio manager MIKE TOWNSHEND reviews the key investment events of 2024 and the performance of the Foord investment funds.

Foreword | Issue 72 | 4th Quarter 2024

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Food producers — back on the menu

The Trump trade — what the second Trump presidency could mean for markets