We saw an increase in Eastern tension as Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February. Tension, which has been rife since the early 2000s, has intensified. Since then, we have seen the Russian rouble fall more than 20% to the United States Dollar as sanctions are imposed on the country. A notable sanction is the restriction on the Russian central bank’s access to their funds held by other central banks, limiting their access to their own financial reserves. Ukrainian President Zelensky announced on 28 February that he had signed a request to join the EU, a possibility which the bloc leaders will potentially consider this month at their informal meeting on the 10th and 11th of March.

A review of recent international developments, with added commentary on our Best Investment View portfolio.

In our view, the advent of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Investing has created an opportunity. ESG Investing promotes investing for the greater good and postulates that companies following ESG principles will deliver superior long-term financial performance. This creates an opportunity within companies who have been aggressively discounted for not exhibiting these principles.

As we slowly inch towards year end and quietly amongst ourselves hope for a relaxed festive season, economic and market developments are certainly cause for much excitement. November was all but a quiet month: rate hikes, a renomination at the Fed, Black Friday and a new variant of the Coronavirus; much to keep us focused. Read our last newsletter for 2021 by Ashley Knight, CFA, below.

While inflation and interest rates are on the increase, it appears as if global economic activity is slowing. Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, explains why we continue to believe that a more conservative stance is justified and prudent.

In this month’s newsletter, Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, looks at the evolving investment world and our continued focus on preserving and growing capital steadily over the long term.

In this month’s newsletter, Ashley Pedlar, CFA, gives a quick update on relevant tech news.

Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, comments on recent local and international developments.

Benjamin van Wyk, CFA, gives a quick update on the latest company news with added commentary regarding our outlook as South Africa continues on Alert Level 4.

The impact of the Coronavirus and the accompanying restrictions on the movement of people, goods and services, has had a significant impact on the global economy. Now, more than a year since South Africa’s first COVID-19 lockdown, Benjamin van Wyk (CFA) examines our positioning.