The Allan Gray Podcast

Periods of heightened uncertainty are inevitable when you are investing over the long term. And when it is not clear when or how things might change, multi-asset portfolio construction becomes an increasingly complex task. For some time, our offshore partner, Orbis, has warned that the environment appears to be changing, noting stickier global inflation, a shifting geopolitical landscape and higher risk-free rates. With key national elections across the globe, the transition to green energy and the rise of artificial intelligence increasing the noise, long-term investors must consider a host of additional variables as they pursue meaningful returns. 

In conversation with Orbis portfolio manager Alec Cutler, Nshalati Hlungwane, a manager in our Institutional Clients team, explores the global investment universe and finds out how Orbis is thinking about its multi-asset strategies in the current environment. From saving for education to offshore investing and beyond.

Investing in frontier markets is not for the faint-hearted. But for those brave enough to look beyond material risks, such as political instability, currency fluctuations and poor liquidity, many of these smaller markets provide fertile hunting ground for compelling ideas and exposure to sectors that are not available in South Africa.

Investors in the Allan Gray Balanced, Equity and Stable funds have some exposure to frontier markets, but those with a greater risk appetite are also able to invest in the Allan Gray Frontier Markets Equity Fund. In conversation with Grant Pitt, head of Institutional, portfolio managers Rory Kutisker-Jacobson and Varshan Maharaj discuss the themes shaping frontier markets and explain how they navigate the risks as they pursue long-term returns.

The commonly accepted wisdom is that if we want a glimpse into the future of South Africa’s financial services sector, we should take a look at the United Kingdom’s financial landscape and delay the experience by a few years. In this conversation, Dan Brocklebank, UK head of our offshore partner, Orbis, joins portfolio manager Jithen Pillay to explain how key themes, such as tighter regulation, artificial intelligence and increasing geopolitical tension, are shaping the future of asset management and financial advice. They explore how a handful of trends are challenging the status quo and presenting opportunities for those willing to embrace changes in regards to investments opportunities going into 2025