The demise of the dollar — what are the alternatives?

The US dollar is the global reserve currency, the predominant currency for international trade and finance and a store of value - why this sudden talk of its potential demise? And what could it be replaced with - the yuan, gold, bitcoin or even a BRICS currency? Foord South Africa CIO Nick Balkin and portfolio manager Rashaad Tayob share their thoughts with Linda Eedes.

The decline of the dollar — what are the alternatives?

The US dollar is the global reserve currency, the predominant currency for international trade and finance and a store of value - why this sudden talk of its potential demise? And what could it be replaced with - the yuan, gold, bitcoin or even a BRICS currency? Foord South Africa CIO Nick Balkin and portfolio manager Rashaad Tayob share their thoughts with Linda Eedes.

Foord MIND OF THE MANAGER

Market in a nutshell - May 2023

Global share, bond and commodity markets were weaker in May as major central banks pushed ahead with further interest rate hikes amidst the US debt ceiling standoff. The US S&P 500 index only eked out a slight gain on a narrow, large-cap tech stock rally sparked by Nvidia’s earnings surprise.

3 Key Components to Assess the Trajectory of US Inflation

When looking at the outlook for inflation in the US we have to consider 3 key components. These being, the impact of commodity prices, rental prices in the US and wage price inflation. Linda Eedes, discusses these in detail.

SA Equities — Where We See the Best Opportunities

Linda Eedes talks to Wim Murray, multiple-counsellor portfolio manager on the Foord Equity Fund. Together they discuss the three categories of SA equities - the global companies which are listed in SA with revenues from around the world, the domestically focused businesses which are tied to the local economic cycle (SA Inc.) and resources which are tied to the commodity cycle - and what presents the bet opportunities for South African investors.

The US Banking Crisis — What this means for SA banking

Foord fixed income portfolio managers Rashaad Tayob and Farzana Bayat talk to Linda Eedes about the US banking crisis. After a steady rise in inflation and interest rates over the past year, US banks continue to bleed deposits. What does this mean for SA banking and our fragile economy?

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL - APRIL 2023

Despite further turmoil and concerns for slowing global growth, most global equity markets advanced in April. The US S&P500 Index even bounced back to levels last seen in February — before the regional banking crisis took hold. But speculators buying the rally may since have found themselves to be April fools, with April’s rally already erased in May.

MARKETS IN A NUTSHELL - APRIL 2023

‘Markets in a nutshell’ is Foord Asset Management’s monthly overview of market movements.