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.

Renewable Risk Advisers (RRA), part of Crawford Dougall International, has been named Insurance Adviser of the Year at the 2026 Wind Investment Awards, recognising its specialist expertise in renewable energy risk management and highlighting the growing importance of insurance advisory services in supporting renewable energy investment and infrastructure development globally and across Africa.

Izak Odendaal, Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, says excitement around upcoming mega US listings such as SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI reflects strong investor appetite for AI-driven growth, but also highlights valuation risks in US markets, while undervalued South African equities may offer superior long-term return potential for diversified investors.

Shaun Duddy, Head of Product Development at Allan Gray, says the increased tax-free investment and retirement fund contribution limits announced in the 2026 Budget give investors a valuable opportunity to accelerate tax-efficient wealth creation.

Rory Kutisker-Jacobson and Varshan Maharaj, co-fund managers of the Allan Gray Frontier Markets Equity Fund, argue that investors may be overpaying for the perceived safety of familiar developed-market assets, while attractive opportunities exist in undervalued frontier and emerging markets where risks are often mispriced relative to potential long-term returns.

Mark Phillips, Head of Portfolio Management and Analytics at PPS Investments, says the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to raise interest rates reflects growing concern that the Middle East-driven energy shock, rising fuel costs and drought risks could trigger broader inflation pressures, despite improving domestic fiscal conditions and a resilient rand.