The podcast where we unravel the intricacies of investment, explore the ever-changing market, and tap into the wisdom of the masterminds who shape them both.
The impact of Asisa’s new equity fund classifications on DFMs and asset managers
In this episode of Money, Markets & Masterminds, we continue our Mind Over Markets series in partnership with Morningstar South Africa. I sat down with Michael Dodd, senior fund analyst at Morningstar, to discuss a major shift in South Africa’s equity fund landscape - the reclassification of unit trust categories.
The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) has introduced a classification change, separating SA-only equity funds from general equity funds that include offshore allocations. This development is set to enhance transparency, improve fund comparability, and influence how discretionary fund managers (DFMs) and asset managers structure their portfolios.
Dodd explained why Asisa introduced these category changes and what they mean for fund selection and how increased offshore limits (up to 45%) have influenced fund performance.
Listen to our conversation on how fund managers, DFMs, and retail investors should navigate these changes and what trends will shape SA equity funds going forward.
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12:26
Lessons from the frontlines with Trevor Garvin - Two decades of money management
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa sits down with Trevor Garvin, head of multi-management at Nedgroup Investments, to discuss two decades of insights from managing fund of funds unit trusts.
From strategic asset allocation and the rise of passive investing to the impact of liquidity crises and cost-conscious portfolio construction, Garvin has seen it all.
Listen to our conversation where he shares hard-earned lessons on navigating the evolving investment landscape.
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32:06
Market Outlook 2025 – The Perils of Prediction and the Principles of Investing
This week, we explore the challenges of market prediction and investment strategies in its latest episode of the new underlying series called the Long Game with Adrian Saville – economist, investor, and academic. The discussion highlights why financial markets resist simple forecasts due to their dynamic and interconnected nature. In this instance, two works are considered by Saville.
The first piece of work comes from Bloomberg’s John Authers. At the end of each year, he writes an article for his imagined investment firm, Hindsight Capital, which makes fantastically astute decisions because they know – with the benefit of hindsight – what to buy and what to avoid. The fantasy shows just how hard it is to imagine what each year delivers. The second piece of work comes from Cliff Asness, co-founder of AQR Capital Management, who, in a recent article leaps forward a decade, imagining the errors that will become evident in hindsight by 2035.
Drawing on these two works, the episode tackles the futility of prediction and the importance of building resilient investment portfolios from the get-go.
The conversation also delves into current market trends, including risks in the US equity rally, debt challenges with US Treasuries, and China’s economic slowdown and potential parallels with Japan..
Emphasising discipline and preparation, the podcast offers actionable insights to help investors align portfolios with their long-term goals.
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27:39
Is it the year 20 twenty ‘thrive’ or 20 twenty ‘survive’?
Welcome to a brand-new year and the latest episode of ‘Money, Markets, and Masterminds’, the Citywire South Africa podcast that unpacks the intricate world of finance and investments.
In this episode – our first for 2025 and the eighth in partnership with Morningstar South Africa – I’m joined by Sean Neethling , Morningstar’s head of investments, to gaze into the crystal ball for the year ahead.
As we leave 2024 behind, with its surprises, market highs and political shifts, we tackle pressing questions:
• Will US equities sustain their stellar performance, or is caution warranted?
• How will global interest rates and inflation shape developed and emerging markets?
• Can South Africa build on the positive momentum from last year’s elections?
Whether you’re a financial adviser, fund selector, or institutional investor, this episode delivers actionable insights, expert analysis and strategic tips to help you navigate the uncertainties of 2025.
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18:24
Are umbrella funds truly delivering on their promises, or are they falling short of providing the value members deser
For many employers, umbrella funds promise simplicity, cost-effectiveness and the benefits of scale. But beneath the surface, there are pressing concerns.
Critics have pointed out issues ranging from hidden costs to limited transparency. Employers often focus solely on administration fees, overlooking other significant expenses like investment fees, which can leave their staff worse off financially.
There’s also the question of who truly benefits from economies of scale. Is it the member, or is it the fund sponsor and service providers? And, as the market grows more complex, advisers and consultants face challenges in being able to see through the marketing to provide sound, impartial advice.
To help us unpack these issues, we’re joined by Andrew Crawford, CEO of Seshego Benefit Consulting, an expert in retirement fund solutions and a thought leader who’s been very vocal about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the umbrella fund space.
The podcast where we unravel the intricacies of investment, explore the ever-changing market, and tap into the wisdom of the masterminds who shape them both.