Izak Odendaal, Old Mutual Wealth Investment Strategist, explores the clash between Donald Trump and Jerome Powell, the cross-currents shaping the US economy, and what tariffs, debt, housing strains, and AI investment mean for investors navigating today’s uncertain global environment.

Although South African investors have historically lagged behind their global peers when it comes to adopting alternative investments in the wake of global economic uncertainty, they are quickly rethinking traditional strategies.

Paddy Flood, Portfolio Manager and Global Sector at Schroders explores how Oracle and SAP reinvented themselves in the cloud era, defying decline narratives. Their resurgence highlights overlooked opportunities for active investors willing to challenge consensus and spot mispriced growth.

Roné Swanepoel unpacks why market peaks shouldn’t deter investors, showing how history favors long-term discipline over timing. With resilience driving growth, she urges strategies anchored in data, diversification, and patience.

WWISE MD Muhammad Ali says South Africa can learn from the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s proactive response to US tariffs by diversifying economies, aligning national visions with trade strategy, and using ISO standards as strategic tools to boost competitiveness and investor confidence.

Johanna Kyrklund, Schroders’ Group CIO, notes markets remain calm despite Trump-era disruptions, with fiscal expansion and muted tariff impacts supporting equities. She warns of stagflation risks, bond market volatility, and shifting US dollar allocations, urging investors to stay focused on medium-term trends.