MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR OCTOBER 2024

After robust gains in September, most equity sectors retraced in October as attention increasingly focused on the US elections. Share markets in Europe fell more on growth worries and euro weakness. Emerging markets were weakest, led down by Chinese bourses, which retraced after a massive spike in September.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL — FOR OCTOBER 2024

In our monthly podcast, ‘Markets in a nutshell’, Linda Eedes unpacks the latest market trends and insights from October. Linda breaks down the US market dynamics, gold’s record-breaking run and China’s new policies to tackle property market woes and stimulate consumer demand.

Sectors, Stocks and Insights — The Evolving SA Equity Landscape

In this episode, investment professional Linda Eedes and portfolio manager Wim Murray discuss the latest developments in the South African equity market, covering the impact of the government of national unity, energy crisis, China's influence, and interest rate cuts. Wim shares insights on navigating this evolving landscape and identifying the most promising sectors and stocks for investors.

Local Is Lekker For The Foord Equity Fund

The Foord Equity Fund has been a stalwart of South Africa’s Equity—General unit trust category for 22 years. On 1 October 2024 the fund changed sectors to the newly introduced SA—Equity—SA General sector, which is for general equity funds investing solely into South African equities. Director PAUL CLUER looks at the reason for the move and revisits the Foord Equity Fund’s investment objectives and accomplishments.

Will South Africa's Cautious Rate Cut Cut It?

The South African Reserve Bank’s recent decision to cut interest rates by just 0.25% signals a measured approach as the global rate-cutting cycle gathers momentum. As central banks around the world react to easing inflationary pressures and slowing economies, South Africa is navigating its own unique set of challenges. Portfolio manager RASHAAD TAYOB examines the implications of the SARB’s decision and what investors can expect from future rate adjustments.

The US Presidential Election: What Investors Need To Know

As the US approaches its presidential election, the stakes extend far beyond political leadership — the economic ramifications are substantial and global in reach. With Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump in national polls — albeit with razor-thin margins in key swing states — the potential policy shifts could significantly impact markets, taxes, regulations, and investment strategies. Foord Singapore portfolio manager BRIAN ARCESE looks at key investment themes facing the presidential candidates and how the election outcome could move markets.

Global economic forces that will reshape the next U.S. presidential term

With the world braced for another US presidential election, we look at the implications of the candidates’ policy proposals on the US and global economies. But regardless of who wins, powerful forces are reshaping the global economy and are set to define the next presidential term. Will we witness a shifting balance of power? And what does this mean for long-term investors? In this webinar, portfolio managers Brian Arcese and Ishreth Hassen discuss the macroeconomic trends that may play out over the next four years, and the implications for Foord’s global investment strategy.

Local is lekker for the Foord Equity Fund

Protocols to safeguard against fraudulent activity

The US presidential election: what investors need to know