Andriette Theron, Head of Research at PPS Investments, notes resilient 2025 markets, strong South African equity performance, and opportunities in offshore exposure, hedge funds, and private markets. Portfolios are cautiously constructive, balanced for growth, diversification, and long-term risk management.

Bitcoin’s recent slide highlights its extreme volatility and limited real-world use, while stablecoins show growing promise despite risks. For investors, crypto remains speculative, and Bitcoin’s role in a balanced portfolio is small compared to traditional assets that offer stability, income and clearer utility.

You might have forgotten but global markets fell by almost 20% in April following "Liberation Day" – before rebounding to all-time highs. As we enter a renewed period of jitters, this long-term data provides a broader perspective.

Morningstar’s Global Fund range marks its first anniversary with strong outperformance, driven by disciplined, valuation-led investing and deep global research. Strategic allocations across emerging markets, Japan, UK assets and currencies highlight how a robust, globally integrated process delivers resilient, evidence-based outcomes for South African investors.

Schroders upgrades its global equity outlook to positive, citing resilient US growth, expected Fed rate cuts, and improving earnings. Positive views extend to Japan and emerging markets, while Europe remains neutral amid soft earnings momentum but a supportive economic and policy backdrop.

A2X Markets has concluded its FSCA enforceable undertaking, retaining 40 of 43 opt-out listed companies, including major large-caps. With clarity on listing procedures, A2X can refocus on delivering competition that lowers costs, boosts liquidity, and drives market innovation in South Africa.