Wealthcare Briefing: Offshore Outlook, Market Movements & The Importance of Staying Engaged

As part of your ongoing Wealthcare journey with us, I wanted to share a brief mid-year reflection on recent global market activity and how it reinforces the importance of our long-term investment philosophy, especially around offshore diversification.

Markets advanced across the board in June following a swift resolution of the Israel-Iran conflict and an easing of US-China trade tensions. Optimism returned, and both US and Chinese equity markets posted strong rebounds. In the US, President Trump's OBBA Act passed through the US Senate, unlocking new tax cuts and infrastructure spending. Although bond markets remained cautious about rising US debt, investor sentiment remains positive.

The US dollar weakened sharply recording its worst half-year since 1973. This drop supported commodity prices:

• Copper and platinum surged
• Gold remained elevated
• Brent crude briefly spiked above $75 before retreating after a ceasefire

The JSE delivered double-digit gains for the quarter, led by resource stocks. Bonds also rallied as inflation eased. However, political volatility resurfaced after President Ramaphosa dismissed a DA deputy minister, shaking investor confidence and causing intra-month rand volatility, despite short-term strength.

Market insights sourced from Foord Asset Management - Building Future-Proof Portfolios: Investing in Long-Term

Foord Singapore portfolio managers Brian Arcese and Ishreth Hassen dive into the evolving landscape of innovation. They explore what truly defines transformative technologies versus short-lived trends, and how investors can navigate this complex space.

🎧 Listen to the podcast here on Spotify.

What This Means for Your Portfolio Strategy? Over the past 50 years, the rand has consistently weakened against the US dollar. The trajectory may not be linear, but the direction is undeniable. Why we believe that at least 50% of your total assets be allocated offshore either directly or indirectly. This is not market timing. It's about:

• Protecting purchasing power in a structurally weak currency environment
• Accessing broader global investment opportunities
• Reducing concentrated domestic risk

Why Your Annual Wealthcare Meeting Matters: Long-term financial success doesn't happen by chance. It's built through:

• Intentional planning
• Regular review
• Thoughtful course correction

Meeting with your Wealthcare Advisor at least once a year ensures your financial plan stays aligned with:

• Your evolving goals and priorities
• Emerging risks and global realities
• Your current life stage and future aspirations

Integrated Wealthcare Management isn't a once-off report, it's a relationship-based process that helps you navigate complexity, unlock clarity, and stay on course over the long term.

We're looking forward to continuing this journey with you.

Shane Thom, CFP^® GTP(SA)™, CFA Affiliate
CEO // Integrated Wealthcare Advisor // SARS Tax Practitioner // COMENSA Coach

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