Mike Adsetts, Global Chief Investment Officer at Momentum Investments, emphasizes the integration of responsible investment practices, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, into their decision-making. Their latest Stewardship Report highlights progress in sustainability efforts, climate strategies, and industry engagement.

Izak Odendaal, Old Mutual Wealth Investment Strategist, discusses the impact of cognitive biases like anchoring on investment decisions. He highlights economic trends, inflation, and market volatility, emphasising the importance of a diversified, valuation-based strategy amid global financial uncertainties.

The macroeconomic environment will likely favour emerging markets as the Fed pivots, and expected rate cuts in the US would likely weaken the US dollar. Countries such as India make a compelling investment case with long-term mega forces like a vast youthful population, a burgeoning middle class, and the rewiring of its supply chains through significant economic reforms and sectoral developments.

It is impossible to say whether the terrible conflict in the Middle East will deteriorate further, but recent articles and political commentary, point to a risk that global oil markets and global gas markets, could be severely disrupted over the coming months.

Elevated interest rates over the past few years have meant that investors have enjoyed attractive returns from cash investments, deposits and fixed-income funds. However, your selection of income options is more important now than ever with the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) having started a rate-cutting cycle.

George Brown, Senior US Economist at Schroders, cautions against an aggressive rate-cutting cycle by the Federal Reserve, warning it could reignite inflationary pressures. He advocates for a measured pace of easing, emphasising the uncertainty around the "neutral" interest rate and its potential risks.