Managing an investment portfolio is a constant balancing act, whether it be the allocation between cash and equities, local and global markets or even active and passive fund managers.

With an intensified load shedding schedule joining a long list of economic ailments, including rising interest rates, an already-high cost of living and lacklustre economic growth, many South Africans may find this general gloom could induce a ‘You Only Live Once’ (YOLO) attitude.

Predicting the future is not a skill possessed by investment professionals. We thus pay very little attention to market predictions.

The year to date has certainly tested the resilience of investors, and there is no sign that the current market volatility is about to abate.

For many investors, the current economic environment is enough to tempt them into keeping their money under the mattress.

It’s at this point in the market cycle, after a significant collapse in share prices, that investors who are willing to accept some volatility have the opportunity to buy into wonderful companies at reasonable valuations.