Life, and investing, is never truly risk free. Without risk, we cannot grow, but risk and growth don’t always feel good. In fact, it can sometimes feel pretty rotten. When you take on risk, you take on uncertainty, and this brings with it a range of possible outcomes - both to the upside, and the down.
Read MoreThe second quarter saw poor performance across most asset classes with some exceptions. Our portfolios are designed to take this volatility with many of our solutions pulling back only a handful of percent (circa -6%) in comparison to market (-20%). As unsettling as the negative numbers may be, please remember we design our strategies knowing full well that risk is an ever constant in investing.
Read MoreMarkets are under pressure. Periods of uncertainty create doubt even when we know the discipline and process that's required to show positive long-term results. Being able to weather these uncomfortable periods allows our specialists the time and trust to pick and choose positions which will be rewarding in the long-term.
Read MoreMay saw us enjoy a somewhat more normal month in SA. On the positive side, Covid numbers have completely disconnected from an infection/death perspective. Regulations around mask wearing and more desperately need to be dropped. From a markets perspective, with inflation on the move and central banks raising rates, it seems we have entered a more volatile period.
Read More2022 is proving to be a testing year so far for investors. As you hopefully know by now, we exclusively build long-term investments, in the full knowledge that uncertainty and volatility will present from time to time. These events are not ifs, but when’s and are an expected and even common occurrence on investment journeys…
Read MoreHoping everyone is well during this odd, rain disrupted, Easter and holiday-filled April! We are hard at work and have some very exciting news coming your way in the next couple of months, so please look out for that. In the meantime, grab a cuppa ☕️ and tuck in to our commentary to read our reflections on local & global markets for the first quarter of 2022.
Read MoreIt sure is difficult to comprehend the consistency with which KZN has been hit by unreal events. Us Durbanites were already tough cookies, so these events can only make us stronger! The markets continue to be jittery, especially with the uncertainty around Russia / Ukraine as well as energy prices worldwide. Brendan shares more in this piece. Enjoy!
Read MoreOur view is to protect each of our clients’ livelihoods here in SA, without losing options due to unique SA risks. For South Africans, this is notably exposure to SA markets, alongside the Rand. This is not to say there is no opportunity in SA, but rather to say there is also risk in SA, as well as opportunities elsewhere.
Read MoreI had the most amazing chat with a Russian over a Chess app (Nerd alert 🤓). Each player has their national flag next to their name, and when I saw the Russian flag, I typed "Say no to war" in the chat section, to which he replied "F#*k Putin".
Read MoreA full report and analysis from F&A & Brandon Zietsman (PortfolioMetrix) on the evolving situation in Ukraine.
Read MoreNo doubt many of us are following the news flow around Russia and Ukraine. It’s a fool’s game to assume one has the ability and foresight to time such events and adjust portfolios accordingly. You can rest assured knowing that our portfolios are designed to handle impact, and that our specialist teams are closely monitoring every element of your portfolio.
Read MoreWhat is the likelihood one can call important events with any degree of timing and accuracy, to the extent it could meaningfully move one’s investment portfolio? A difficult pursuit, no doubt! In my view, this is not the actual challenge. You see, very little can be done to sway these external tides. Too much is outside of our control. So, what is in our control?
Read MorePortfolios ran beautifully for nearly 21 months right through to the end of 2021! They have come back slightly, specifically during the month of Jan. This is something we expect all portfolios to repeatedly do and so our strategies cater for these events specifically. Grab a cuppa ☕️and tuck in to our detailed report from Brendan covering our analysis of the fourth and final quarter of 2021!
Read MoreRunning wealth management strategies means we spend a good chunk of time discussing money and what it does for us. And the what it does for us is the crux. This tool called money needs to be managed in a way that compliments and empowers us. And so it sits with us to understand our habits and our routines. Therein lies our opportunity!
Read MoreOur last Monthly for the year! Difficult to believe it is nearly Christmas, but still, what a wonderful time of the year. Wishing you a safe and restful Christmas period, and a wonderful start to 2022. More great content from Brendan, below.
Read MoreIt is interesting to consider how many times plans change or adjust. Not that they change wholly, but rather that you cannot predict how everything will play out, alongside not being able to control everything. I like to build plans that can adapt, that gives many options and outs, without total risk of failure.
Read MoreTime for another monthly update. As always, we've put together a snapshot of market insights from PortfolioMetrix to bring you an overview of where your investments are headed. Here's your October 2021 update!
Read MoreVery happily, the portfolios have performed well, with our most conservative portfolios returning some 10% over the past 12 months, right through to our most aggressive portfolios at 25%. A lovely cherry on top of a tough period for us all! Grab a cuppa ☕️and tuck in to our detailed report from Brendan covering our analysis of Q3!
Read MoreTime for another monthly update. As always, we've put together a snapshot of market insights from PortfolioMetrix to bring you an overview of where your investments are headed. Here's your September 2021 update!
Read MoreWe are finding a really sound rhythm following the pure quantum of change we all got slapped with in the past year and a half. All calls we make are with sustainability in mind! Interestingly enough, business over the period is up nearly 25%, putting us in a fascinating position. I have paid special attention to shortfalls in the business and have worked hard to resolve the following…
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