Strong earnings have been a key driver of US equity markets, but how sustainable is this growth? In this edition, we examine the forces behind US corporate earnings, the relationship between GDP, GNP and company profits, and why investors should be cautious about extrapolating recent trends too far into the future.

Kevin Warsh has officially taken office as Chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, signalling a potentially significant shift in monetary policy. In this follow-up to last month’s overview of his appointment, we examine his inaugural policy stance, including his views on inflation, balance sheet reduction, regulation, and Fed communication, and explore the implications for global markets and South African investment portfolios.

The Federal Reserve is entering a major transition as Jerome Powell delivers his final meeting and prepares to hand over leadership to Kevin Warsh. His Senate hearing marked a clear shift toward a more hawkish stance, with plans to scale back forward guidance, tighten the balance sheet, and rethink the Fed’s inflation framework.

Markets reacted quickly, with rising yields, equity volatility, and a repricing of rate expectations as investors adjust to a less accommodative policy regime ahead.

Oil remains one of the most powerful forces shaping the global economy. Despite the push toward clean energy, demand continues to rise, not just for fuel, but for its essential role in everyday products and industries. Recent geopolitical tensions have once again highlighted its impact on inflation and the cost of living.
In this month’s newsletter, we explore why oil is far more than just fuel, and why its relevance is set to endure for years to come.

Growth in satellite internet and advances in infrastructure are turning space into a practical global asset.

Episodes of Rand strength tend to generate optimism that outstrips their durability. Each time the currency appreciates meaningfully, like the recent break below R16/USD in January 2026, the same question arises: Has something fundamentally changed? In this edition we look at how history suggests that’s rarely the right question. The more useful one is whether the forces shaping the Rand’s long-term direction have shifted. At present, there’s little evidence that they have.

In this month’s newsletter, Henk Myburgh, CFA, looks at how the valuation of companies’ changes depends on where they are in their lifecycle. He then identifies some companies straddling multiple company stages and how they offer the potential for higher growth.

In this month’s newsletter, Ashley Knight, CFA, discuss the introduction of Dubai based Optasia as a listed company at the JSE.

Luxury investments are no longer just symbols of prestige — they’ve become a resilient asset class in their own right. As traditional markets face ongoing volatility, investors are finding stability and opportunity in tangible assets like fine art, collectible cars, rare wines, and high-end watches.

In this edition, we unpack how luxury investments continue to demonstrate strong performance, driven by scarcity, craftsmanship, and sustained global demand. We also explore how these exclusive assets can form part of a well-diversified portfolio — offering both financial value and lasting personal enjoyment.

When companies historically returned capital to investors, they mainly did so by paying dividends. In this month’s newsletter, Henk Myburgh, CFA discusses the return of capital to shareholders, how this has changed over time, and what it means for investors.