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“Countries don’t get rich by creating expensive substitutes to cheaper imports… they get rich by making things the world wants to buy.” - Samuel Hammond, Chief Economist, Foundation for American Innovation
May 2025 · 4 min read
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Latest Insights
Senior Portfolio Manager Charles de Kock reflects on the implications of escalating geopolitical conflict, ongoing US policy risk, and renewed political tensions in South Africa.
And your annual tax incentives reminder.
Quarterly Publication
April 2025
Competitive advantage
The autumn edition of Corospondent includes several deep insights about the nature, effects, and consequences of US trade tariffs, along with a fascinating long-form article on China’s whole-of-nation driven technology ecosystem. From an investment perspective, the SA investment team finds that PSG is a high-quality stock with excellent long-term potential. And, for those of you who manage your own portfolio, we have included a checklist to help you navigate the prevailing market turbulence.
“Policy done right can drive technological disruption.” - Akshat Rathi
Economist Marie Antelme unpacks the implications of the Trump administration’s tariff announcements.
Investing offshore
April 2025
Ensuring that your asset base is appropriately diversified
Demonstrating the benefits of strategic diversification into international markets, why it makes sense to consider doing so with a manager who has proven and established global capabilities across both emerging and developed markets, and how best to take action.
"The investor's chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself." — Benjamin Graham
Investing in a quality business during times of economic uncertainty.
A focused portfolio of our top stock picks on the JSE
The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity – William Butler Yeats, The Second Coming
An aggressive global portfolio allocating to our best ideas in developed and emerging markets
A global markets portfolio that balances real returns and the risk of loss over the long term
A portfolio of our best investment view across emerging markets
Senior portfolio manager Charles de Kock’s quarterly Market Watch provides an overview of the implications of the Trump tariffs and the budget debacle threatening South Africa’s GNU.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to save more, these insights can help you take the next step toward your investment goals.
Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it – Laozi
How Interactive Brokers, LPL Financial and Charles Schwab are capitalising on emerging trends
‘Keep your eye on how much the government is spending, because that is the true tax’ – Milton Freidman, economist
The economic benefits of targeting lower inflation are clear – the timing isn’t
The case for Dis-Chem
While we believe the changing environment makes a stronger case for living annuities, retirees continue to prefer guaranteed annuities.
Water security is one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges. We unpack the economic ripple effects of water shortages and explore regulatory shifts and infrastructure efforts aimed at improving water management.
Navigating investment opportunities in the wake of recent policy measures aimed at economic recovery
There is no risk-free path for monetary policy – Jerome Powell
In a structurally growing market Quilter offers an attractive investment opportunity
"The Fed’s actions reverberate across every corner of the global financial system."— Ben Bernanke, Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve
How economic reforms and the global race for resources are reshaping the continent’s future
It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – former President of South Africa, Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
Minimising early withdrawals is key to safeguarding your future financial well-being
Practical steps to cultivate inclusivity in financial services
Join Investment Specialist Naledi Makiwane as she discusses this award-winning international investment portfolio prioritising capital preservation and moderate growth.
Join Investment Specialist Bernard Wessels in exploring the Coronation Global Strategic USD Income strategy.
Join Investment Specialist Insaf Kamish as she explains this new route to accessing Coronation's range of well-established and proven international investment strategies.
Why building competence and influence matters more
Seven funds have now debuted on the JSE, with more to follow.
“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” ― Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea.
Last year in May, Marie covered South Africa’s water crisis, with a deep dive into the pain points and responsible agencies. This concern has not abated and has grave consequences for SA and its citizens. Our 2023 Stewardship report covers our ongoing analysis of SA’s water crisis and how our investment team is addressing it in the context of investments.
"The railway is one of the most potent factors in modern civilization, and its history is the history of human development." – John Moody, founder of Moody’s Investor Service
- “If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
A focus on BYD Auto
Portfolio managers Karl Leinberger and Pallavi Ambekar explain what it means and how we are using it in the management of our multi-asset funds such as Coronation Capital Plus and Balanced Plus.
In retirement, achieving capital growth ahead of inflation and maintaining a stable income drawdown are crucial financial goals. Coronation Capital Plus, with its potential for high equity exposure and strategic capital protection, offers a solution for investors seeking sustained real returns above inflation.
Tune in as investment specialist Dorette Britts explains the benefits of protecting your purchasing power in retirement. Learn how to navigate inflation, longevity, and market risks to secure a stable income stream for life.
We discuss the outlook for loadshedding for the next two years. With new capacity coming online, when can we expect loadshedding to end?
We explore the reasons for the sustained streak without loadshedding and discuss what we can expect heading into winter.
I never won a fight in the ring; I always won in preparation – Muhammed Ali
Newest domestic IPO set to drive sustainable growth and performance.
The series concludes with a case study on Brazil, a discussion on what sets South Africa apart from the countries discussed in this series and broad guidelines for investors on asset allocation in so-called “worst-case scenarios”.
In episode two, we ask if domestic equities will always preserve value in cases of severe countrywide decline and major macroeconomic instability.
Pieter Koekemoer talks to the ‘cost’ of accessing the new ‘savings pot’ as part of the Two-pot Retirement System, effective September. While a welcome inclusion in the case of an emergency, its long-term impact may significantly diminish one's retirement savings and standard of living later in life.
Amidst a myriad of datapoints and a looming general election, what’s in store for the local economy heading into the second quarter of 2024? Join investment specialist Kim Deane and Economist Marie Antelme as they discuss the need-to-know highs and lows.
We recently conducted a client survey that revealed a crucial insight about the gap between investors' return expectations and market reality. For sound decision-making and sustained financial success we unpack what this may mean for investors, and in particular income fund investors.
Our first episode features the fascinating series of events that unfolded in Argentina, Lebanon and Venezuela respectively.
"Our steadfast commitment to excellence is exemplified in these consistent, industry-leading results."
And your annual tax incentives reminder.
“Anything worth saying is worth repeating.” – Humble the poet
The nitty gritty of running a business in developing countries.
Broaden your investment horizons with a true global manager
“The relationship between commitment and doubt is by no means an antagonistic one. Commitment is healthiest when it is not without doubt, but in spite of doubt.” Rollo May, The Courage to Create
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. - A Knight’s Oath
“Nothing is more obstinate than a fashionable consensus. ” - Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, 1979 - 1990
Assessing asset class performance in weak state regimes
Nothing short of decisive action will do.
It’s understandable that in times of high interest rates, investors are attracted to the ‘safety’ of cash or fixed-rate term deposits, but over the long term, it is equities that will provide the returns that will beat inflation. Watch now to find out why.
How to maximise your potential returns and reduce costs and taxes over time to secure your retirement, build wealth, and enable your investments to grow tax-free.
Watch Pieter Koekemoer, Coronation’s Head of Personal Investments Business, as he explains why Retirement Annuities (RAs) offer even more attractive benefits going into the new year and how to avoid non-investment risks that can impact your financial security.
The opportunities and challenges of rolling out a key regulatory reform.
Actions to protect your personal information and devices
“Morality, it could be argued, represents the way that people would like the world to work, whereas economics represents how it actually does work.” – Stephen Dubner, journalist and co-author of Freakonomics
We explain why we don't hold PGM shares in our portfolios.
He who is not prepared today, will be less so tomorrow – Ovid
The global energy mix is changing and presenting investment opportunities.
Global bond rout puts local bonds under pressure amidst a deteriorating fundamental backdrop.
The global energy mix is changing and presenting investment opportunities.
Global bond rout puts local bonds under pressure amidst a deteriorating fundamental backdrop.
Understanding your chosen fund’s risk and return targets is key.
Content in collaboration with Smart About Money.
Neil Padoa, Head of Global Equities talks about the opportunities presented in volatile markets and how the Coronation Global Managed Fund is well positioned to deliver strong returns over the long term.
Investment Specialist Kim Deane explains how the Coronation Global Managed Fund is designed as a single offshore solution for the majority of investors. Its ability to invest across a variety of listed asset classes provides it with the means to deliver solid risk-adjusted returns for long-term investors.
Investment Specialist Amika Gordhan talks to the importance of offshore in an investor’s total portfolio and that while the increased exposure (45%) achieved through a balanced fund may be enough, for many additional exposure is essential. Investing offshore has never been as accessible as it is today, no matter your financial position. All it takes is $500.
Together with the attractive opportunities we are finding in global fixed income markets today, we believe Coronation Global Capital Plus offers a compelling collection of assets suited to the needs of conservative international investors.
And why it is not too late to remedy?
Over the years, I’ve come to view complaints as opportunities rather than obstacles. - Guy Winch, from The Squeaky Wheel
Mapping the way forward.
Coronation CEO, Anton Pillay shares insights with the youth of 2023.
No one wants to risk running out of money, and certainly not in retirement. We unpack three key considerations in mitigating against these risks.
See how our carefully balanced risk-conscious approach has delivered significant investment returns for over two decades.
We look at the opportunity set offered by the JSE and why the prospects remain positive for the patient investor.
For investors with a long time horizon and a global outlook.
“All the water that will ever be is, right now.” – National Geographic
“A survival mindset requires optimism about the future, but also being paranoid about what will prevent you from getting to the future” - Morgan Housel
The same, but on steroids.
No margin for error
Experiences are trumping consumerism.
What just happened?
2022 saw a dramatic resetting of interest rates, creating an opportunity set in global fixed income markets that we believe investors should be positioning their portfolios for.
Are you considering a cash investment due to risk and the need for quick access to your savings? Watch Portfolio Manager Mauro Longano as he takes us through a few compelling alternatives for cash investors. You may want to opt for a Fixed Income Fund, which will work harder than simply leaving your money in a bank account.
Amika Gordhan, unpacks why balanced funds are so popular with the 5 Benefits of Balanced Funds and how the Coronation Balanced Fund has delivered superior returns at a reduced level of risk.
Suhail Suleman, joint-Head of Global Emerging Markets Research and Portfolio Manager, explains why investors shouldn't dismiss Saudi Arabia as just another petrostate. With its #Vision2030 firmly underway, the region has a lot to offer, from its recent EM growth to the rise of investment opportunities and the key businesses to look at for attractively priced entry points.
And your annual tax incentives reminder.
"Investing for the long term requires patience and dedication, but the rewards are worth the wait." – Quote by generative artificial intelligence engine GPT-3
Hope must make way for action.
Add compounding to the tax you don’t pay.
A valid question that deserves a thorough answer.
Moving away from being just another petrostate.
An assessment of current economic conditions and global and local outlook for 2023.
Identifying the future winners in aviation presents attractive investment opportunities.
A conversation about local and global equity market valuations
While we are cognisant of the risks, we believe a handful of carefully chosen businesses in China currently offer compelling returns for long-term investors.
Remember your own tolerance for risk
SA bonds continue to hold their worth for investors
Listed infrastructure is a key beneficiary of rising inflation.
Maintaining an equity bias and following diversification principles provide the foundation for building strong investment portfolios. - David F. Swensen, CIO, Yale and philanthropist
A low-risk, value-creating allocation of capital
A challenging balance between inflation and growth.
Coronation’s evaluation of the energy plan concludes that loadshedding can reduce dramatically within four years.
Unfortunately not, our analysis shows
How we take advantage of return opportunities while being conscious about risk
Leaning into a once-in-a-decade dislocation between price and value.
A polycrisis has sent global markets sharply down; and there is opportunity to be found.
In the short run, the market is a voting machine, but in the long run, it is a weighing machine.
A look at rising inflation and interest rates and the tough decisions central banks need to make as remedy.
Central bank action has had a profound effect on risk sentiment, we take a look at how global bond markets have responded.
The case for (only the best) long duration technology businesses.
Taking money offshore may be popular, but, at present, South African opportunities are still more attractive.
Discussion on the drivers of global inflation and how our portfolios are positioned to meet this challenge.
Current valuations relative to history point to attractive future return prospects.
"Long-term consistency trumps short-term intensity" – Bruce Lee, martial artist, actor, philosopher.
“The president can't change the country on his own. But what can he do? He can give an example.” - Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy; President of Ukraine
While economic recovery challenges still abound, the likelihood of South Africa tumbling into a debt trap within the next five years has, thankfully, diminished.
‘In the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity.’ - Albert Einstein
This article was originally published by CityWire In the latest of the series of interviews with industry veterans, Stephen Cranston talks to Neville Chester, a senior Coronation portfolio manager.
Key take-outs from the Budget announcement and your annual tax incentives reminder.
Long-term thinking and rigorous research needed to spot opportunities.
A combination of domestic assets and global equities will help funds achieve their real return expectations
“The fact that some choice is good doesn’t necessarily mean that more choice is better.” – Barry Schwartz in The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less
Mounting risk to the fiscal health of indebted emerging markets will require careful navigation.
An attractive, growing sector in both Eastern and Western Europe.
An attractive new add to our portfolios.
But SAGBs might still fare better than expected
While 2021 was a strong year for investors, we still see opportunities for those who get started this year.
How Coronation Top 20 fund has benefited investors.
It’s a no-brainer
Understanding risk profiles and having realistic return expectations are key.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu
It’s not just about Tencent, games and China
But bond yields continue to make up for underlying risks
Neil Padoa is interviewed by Simon Brown, part of the Moneyweb Now podcast series.
Unpacking the recent regulatory interventions
“We demand rigidly defined areas of doubt and uncertainty!” – Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Three fund anniversaries highlight the value created for investors.
A well-priced opportunity and inexpensive insurance against risks.
Understanding the risks and return opportunities remains crucial
Global Frontier Markets
“Give me accountability, I’ll give you peace.” – Abhijit Naskar, neuroscientist and author
But open minds and ability to shift positions are key
Improving local economic outlook
Passing breeze or real winds of change?
Shifting growth dynamics and inflation uncertainty
Finding value in complexity
Cheap insurance at a time of heightened risk
Celebrating the anniversaries of three of our multi-asset funds
Tips for young people to get ahead in tough times
Questions and answers
– an excerpt from the Coronation 2020 Stewardship Report
“In the past, censorship worked by blocking the flow of information. In the twenty-first century, censorship works by flooding people with irrelevant information. In ancient times having power meant having access to data. Today having power means knowing what to ignore.” – Yuval Noah Harari
“Your perception may not be my reality.” – Aporva Kala, author and philosopher
Inflation – it’s time to pay attention
Confidence in recovery gains momentum
Promising long-term growth seen in emerging equity markets
But SAGBs are still an attractive investment
New accounting standard adds complexity, but also presents a competitive advantage
“The storm only comes to teach you how to skillfully sail your ship.” – Matshona Dhliwayo, author and philosopher
From volatility through rebound to recovery
“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is. Knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.” – Mathematician John Allen Paulos
A growth opportunity in the lacklustre retail space
Growth potential at MMH undervalued
But SAGBs and ILBs still offer attractive opportunities, despite economic challenges
Are long-term investors positioned for the future?
Good intentions and a renewed commitment to growth are not enough to make government's financial position sustainable
Post-pandemic recovery in the balance of vaccines and a return of confidence
“Throughout human history, in any great endeavour requiring the common effort of many nations and men and women everywhere, we have learned – it is only through seriousness of purpose and persistence that we ultimately carry the day. We might liken it to riding a bicycle. You stay upright and move forward so long as you keep up the momentum.” – Ban Ki-moon
Bloated merchant acquirers face disruption in the Brazilian market spac
Vulnerabilities increase the risk of longer-term damage
Bloated merchant acquirers face disruption in the Brazilian market spac
Local opportunity amidst global uncertainty
Transformation through green initiatives and new demand sources
A history of consistent alpha generation in local and global markets
“If you want to lift up humanity, empower women. It is the most comprehensive, pervasive, high-leverage investment you can make in human beings.” – Melinda Gates, in her book, “Moment of Lift”
“When the world is running down, you make the best of what’s still around.” – Musician and actor, Gordon Sumner (aka Sting)
“If you owe your bank a hundred pounds, you have a problem. But if you owe a million, it has.” – Economist John Maynard Keynes
- an excerpt from the Coronation 2019 Stewardship Report
“Only a crisis – actual or perceived – produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depends on the ideas lying around.” – Economist Milton Friedman
“The margin of safety is always dependent on the price paid. It will be large at one price, small at some higher price, nonexistent at some still higher price.” – Benjamin Graham, The Intelligent Investor
Covid-19 economic shock and stimulus reflected in financial markets
Investment opportunities in the eyecare industry
South African investor heaven or hell?
We can’t afford not doing better
A chance to add good quality domestic businesses to your portfolio
“Battles are never the end of the war” – former US President James Garfield
“Sorrow is better than fear. Fear is a journey, a terrible journey, but sorrow is at least an arrival. When the storm threatens, a man is afraid for his house. But when the house is destroyed, there is something to do.” – Alan Paton, author and activist
A butterfly flaps its wings in Wuhan, China
A brutal quarter for financial markets
“Trust is undeniably linked to doing what is right. Ethical drivers such as integrity, dependability and purpose drive the trust capital of business.” – 2020 Edelman Trust Barometer
Let us not waste another crisis
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb
What did this programme really achieve?
A gem within the small- and mid-cap space
Significant opportunities may underlie a bleak outlook
“A promise is a cloud; fulfilment is the rain.” – Arab Proverb
IPO learnings from frontier markets
Inverted yield curves, negative bond yields, liquidity everywhere and not a drop to drink
Restoring confidence is key to growth recovery
Transformative policy paper needs strong implementation
But depressed growth and further Eskom support weigh heavily on government
A weighty issue?
Our purpose in numbers
Cable operators leading US broadband internet momentum
The price is right (or at least it feels that way)
The economic cost of rent seeking
“Invest for the long haul. Don’t get too greedy and don’t get too scared.” – Shelby M.C. Davis
When desirability becomes necessity
The trade war between the US and China is not ending anytime soon, notwithstanding the efforts of presidents Trump and Xi to make nice on the sidelines of the Osaka G20 Summit.
How sports content (and fast cars) became frontrunners in the media content race
World economy balancing on regional tensions and precarious geopolitical alliances
“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius
Government’s management of the power crisis will be telling of its broader capacity for reform
Where the frontiers of consumer need, technical innovation and pragmatic regulation meet
"Speculation … allows you to put your emotions first, whereas investment gets emotions out of the picture.” – John C. Bogle
Only deep, proprietary research sharpens analysis, providing the necessary focus to look through the noise
A good quarter for investors, but a tough one for South Africa
The way in which financial markets respond to US rate expectations is important
Responsible investing involves constructive, behind-the-scenes communication
But South African bonds still offer a bulwark against global policy normalisation
“The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Gautama Buddha
But overcoming deeply rooted economic problems remains challenging
Reflecting on a tough year
Reaping the rewards of pension reform
“He who indulges in empty fears earns himself real fears. We should always allow some time to elapse, for time discloses the truth.“ – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
The element of surprise is common in a system where so many decisions depend on forecasts of the future.” – Iconoclastic economist Frank Knight, mid-20th century
China’s competitive education system drives strong growth
Tighter financial conditions are the greatest near-term threat to global growth
How companies avoid obsolescence through innovation
It was always going to get messy
Despite new vehicle technology, global car sales still drive demand
Spotify and Apple Music lead the revival of the recorded music industry
A homegrown success story
Addressing the future for women
The value of proprietary, deep-dive research
South Africa’s prospects are looking better, but durable change needs vision and consensus
But after riding the wave of optimism, we are now cautious of South African bonds at current levels
What you see is not always what you get
The relevance of auditors in a post-financial scandal world
Land reform under new leadership – both risk and opportunity
Earning its stripes
Thriving in a highly regulated industry
We continue to focus on valuation to find attractive opportunities
“You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.” – The Rolling Stones
How worried should investors be?
Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction
2017 proved to be a strong year for most asset classes and our portfolios performed well over the period
Valuations are high and uncertainty is increasing
Well positioned in an evolving environment
What now that the kings are gone?
Renewed optimism and contained inflation could benefit government bonds
The next generation of big bets
Real change will depend on the will to fight
Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC needs to save South Africa from economic déjà vu
Enough already!
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