From Soccer 2010 to World Cup 2026: Playing the Long Game

Recently I listened to Foord Asset Management's latest Markets in a Nutshell podcast. The discussion centred around three themes that continue to shape investment markets:

• The ongoing Artificial Intelligence investment boom.
• Rising geopolitical tensions and energy uncertainty.
• The gradual unwinding of globalisation and what it may mean for inflation and future economic growth.

As I listened, I was reminded of a communiqué I wrote back in December 2010 called: "Goodbye Soccer 2010, Hello Rugby 2011."

At the time South Africans were packing away their vuvuzelas, yellow Bafana Bafana shirts and World Cup memories. My biggest concern seemed to be upgrading my Nokia camera so I could keep up with my children who were creating memories faster than I could capture them.

Sixteen years later, the world looks very different.

My Nokia has been replaced several times over. Artificial Intelligence can now summarise meetings, write reports and even help me draft this communiqué. Yet some things haven't changed at all.

• Families still have goals.
• Children still grow up too quickly.
• Markets still fluctuate.

And successful investing still depends on maintaining discipline while everyone else gets distracted by the latest headline.

As the world prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, investors can perhaps learn something from elite sport.

Winning teams do not succeed because of one brilliant pass, one lucky bounce or one spectacular goal. Success comes from preparation, teamwork, patience, adaptability and staying focused on the objective when conditions become difficult.

Investing works much the same way.

Today's headlines are dominated by AI, trade disputes, interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty. Tomorrow's headlines will be different. Yet history repeatedly reminds us that long-term wealth is generally created by investors who remain diversified, patient and focused on their destination.

At Silke Financial Services we continue to focus on the areas we can control:

• Aligning investments with your personal values and life goals.
• Building diversified portfolios that can withstand changing market conditions.
• Managing risk thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally.
• Maintaining a long-term perspective when short-term noise becomes overwhelming.

One of the advantages of writing communiqués for over two decades is that it provides perspective. Looking back through old editions, the headlines change, the concerns change, the technology changes, but the fundamentals remain remarkably consistent.

Whether it was Soccer World Cup 2010, Rugby World Cup 2011, COVID-19, elections, inflation, AI or the approaching World Cup 2026, the lesson remains the same:

Stay invested. Stay diversified. Stay focused on your goals.
The game may change.
The destination does not.

I look forward to talking with you again soon.

Shane Thom, CFP^® GTP(SA)™
CEO | Key Individual | Integrated Wealthcare Advisor
Registered with: FSCA | SARS | CMS
Member: FPI | SAIT | COMENSA | CFA Institute

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