The World Gold Council’s Mid-Year Outlook 2026 says gold’s direction in the second half of the year will depend on geopolitical tensions, interest rates and investor sentiment, with strong long-term global demand expected to underpin the precious metal’s resilience.

Old Mutual Wealth’s Izak Odendaal explores how rising geopolitical uncertainty and populism are reshaping global markets, arguing that disciplined diversification, attractive valuations and managing investor behaviour remain essential for long-term investment success.

Morningstar’s Sean Neethling argues that successful investing depends on disciplined asset allocation, deliberate diversification and filtering out market noise, with robust portfolio construction and investor behaviour proving more important than reacting to every headline.

The Sanlam Umbrella Fund has appointed development economist Dr Nthabiseng Moleko as Sponsor-Appointed Trustee, strengthening the board’s governance, retirement fund expertise and commitment to delivering improved member outcomes.

Matthew Spencer, Director of UK Retail at Orbis, says investors should embrace uncertainty rather than fear it, focusing on opportunities where market expectations are low and ensuring portfolios are genuinely diversified to navigate an increasingly complex global investment landscape.

John Gilchrist, Chief Investment Officer at PSG Asset Management, says investors should rely on diversified portfolios rather than attempting to predict geopolitical events, while remaining mindful of rising stagflation risks, higher energy prices and slower global growth resulting from the ongoing Middle East conflict.