Archives

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Bond market fears excessive – but investors must be vigilant

There are numerous current threats facing financial markets – such as an earnings or manufacturing slowdown, geopolitical tensions, the rise of populism and volatile political leaders. However, absent a sudden shock, we do not anticipate de-flation and or a recession in the near future.

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The case for unlisted property exposure for retirement funds

Commercial property forms an integral part of the investable asset universe. Although dependent on relevance of location and the property assets in question, commercial property offers stable growth and income returns coupled with a reasonable level of inflation protection.

Global perspectives
Welcome to the world of opportunity

This is particularly true of Africa, which closed 2017 with new leadership in Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Ethiopia and Liberia. These political movements have ushered in new economic and social opportunities and talk of a ‘new dawn’ for the continent.

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Recapitalisation and infrastructure investment – a renewed pro-growth stance for India

Surprise US$32bn public sector recapitalisation and the largest ever highway development investment prove Prime Minister Modi is firmly on a pro-growth agenda in the run up to the national elections in 2019.

Global perspectives
China: A permanent revolution

To invest in an economy of over 1.3 billion people, a GDP of US$21 trillion and an all-powerful, all-seeing Communist government, you need to look at things a little differently.

Global perspectives
Humans vs robots: Who has the edge?

Modern investing merges human insight with robo efficiency, causing some to argue that the role of the human advisor is dwindling. But human judgement still has a vital role to play in active and passive investment strategies.

Global perspectives
India: From slumdog to startup

Technology enabled India to side step a whole generation of structural development. Now the country is driving the revolution into the heart of its population through the use of electronic payment platforms. In the process a digital revolution is unfolding.

Global perspectives
Can an enabler be a disruptor?

As African economies evolve, the services sector is growing as a proportion of these economies, and electricity is a non-negotiable ingredient for businesses in this sector to operate efficiently.

Global perspectives
A place for private debt in alternative asset allocations

Investors have traditionally considered equities, government bonds and cash as the only instruments through which returns can be generated. This approach has steadily changed over the years, with increased allocations being made to ‘alternative’ asset classes.

Global perspectives
Coal: A fossil among fuels

Despite some headline-grabbing figures and improved efficiencies surrounding renewable energy options like solar, wind and wave power, the majority of the planet still produces its electricity by burning fossil fuels.

Global perspectives
Embrace the disruption

The word ‘disruption’ comes with some unfavourable associations. After all, the dictionary definition refers to a “disturbance or problems which interrupt an event, activity, or process”. It has all the connotations of a bad guest or an unwanted intrusion.

Global perspectives
Ideas in action

At Ashburton Investments our experts think deeply and critically about the world, and we apply the same level of analysis to the funds we manage.

Global perspectives
Next magazine due end July

Global Perspectives, Ashburton Investments' magazine appearing three to four times a year will bring insights on the investment world once again in a month's time.

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Electric Vehicles – where now and where to?

As investment professionals, we tend to take notice when we hear how something new is going to take over the world. The reality is that most big changes tend to be more evolutionally than revolutionary as is the case with electric vehicles (EVs).

Global perspectives
The future of responsible investing

Responsible investing continues to grow in prominence among investors globally and South African investors are now placing emphasis on investing responsibly and better understanding the risks inherent to companies they invest in.