Old Mutual Wealth

Africa’s largest financial services provider, Standard Bank reported a resilient 2024 half-year performance amid a challenging credit market in SA. Private Clients Research Analyst, Tasneem Samodien, discusses the results and explains why the team expect Standard Bank to continue growing earnings over the long term. 

Tasneem Samodien, Research Analyst at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth discusses Standard Bank’s 2023 full-year results and its exposure to Africa, which is expected to remain a meaningful earnings driver in the long term. 

The business cycle is a key framework for understanding economic fluctuations and is often widely used to guide asset and sector allocation decisions for investors. However, debates often arise regarding the precise stage at which an economy finds itself, particularly when economic data presents mixed signals. Listen as Victor Mupunga, Head of Research at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth and Simon Brown, discuss the mixed economic signals in the US and the local economy and outlines our investment approach focused on constructing well-balanced portfolios of high-quality, resilient businesses.

Andrew Dittberner, Chief Investment Officer at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, unpacks the longevity economy in more detail and highlights some of the challenges and opportunities.

Andrew Dittberner, CIO of Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth and Classic Business’ Michael Avery talk about the Magnificent Seven and whether their valuations are justified. 

Muhammad Rayhaan Sooliman, Operations Director at Gift of the Givers, talks to Oliver Dixon of SAFM about the newly launched Old Mutual Gift of the Givers Life Fund. Developed in partnership with Old Mutual Wealth, the fund allows the investor to meet their financial goals, whilst using their investment income for humanitarian relief and development in South Africa, by donating it to Gift of the Givers Foundation. A win-win situation where investors get to secure their future and legacy, whilst doing good to support South African socio-economic development.

Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, speaks to Bruce Whitfield about some of the lessons that South Africa, our government and the world can learn from the Springboks following their historic win over the All Blacks for a record fourth time and lifting the Webb Ellis trophy back-to-back. Key learnings include having a long-term plan and the right people to implement it; a simple authentic message focused on a few things that people can relate to and unite behind; strong leadership as seen from Siya, Jacques and Rassie; and giving people responsibility, empowering them and holding them accountable to deliver. 

Roland Grabe, Head of Discretionary Fund Management at Old Mutual Wealth, speaks to Simon Brown of Moneyweb about life and living annuities. He says the investment market volatility, especially in bear markets, make it difficult for retirees to live satisfactorily off their investment income. In addition, investment strategy decisions are tricky and require an investor to have a qualified financial planner to guide them through the various options to how they can mitigate risk whilst maximising investment returns.

Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, speaks to Power FM about South Africa’s economic heritage. He delves into the origin of the South African economic system as well as its anchors such as Anglo American, the transition from apartheid to freedom and the era of growth pre-2008, until issues like loadshedding derailed us. He also explains how to enable inclusive growth and deal with low economic growth, by building infrastructure and providing basic services in areas of need.

Mandy Dix-Peek, Head of Fiduciary at Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth unpacks the recent changes to the Trust Property Control Act and emphasises the importance of independent, professional trusteeship.