In December 2024, the average prudential balanced portfolio returned 0.4% (November 2024: 1.8%). The top performer is Ninety-One Namibia Managed Fund, with 0.8%, while Allan Gray Namibia Balanced Fund, with -0.2%, takes the bottom spot. NAM Coronation Balanced Plus Fund took the top spot for the three months, outperforming the ‘average’ by roughly 1.8%. Allan Gray Namibia Balanced Fund underperformed the ‘average’ by 1.1% on the other end of the scale. These returns are before (gross of) asset management fees

The Monthly Review of Portfolio Performance to 31 December 2024 reviews portfolio performances and provides insightful analyses.

Will a meeting between President Putin and Trump provide direction for investment in 2025?

The political and economic environment has not changed since I expressed my views in this column last month, and I  stand by those views.  I concluded that the world faces many uncertainties that could severely impact economies and the financial market. During 2024, my main theme was that the world might drift into World War III. President Donald Trump’s election statements on the US waging never-ending costly wars and ending the Ukraine war within 24 hours dimmed the prospect of a major military confrontation somewhat. However, following his inauguration, his most recent rhetoric leaves doubt about his electioneering statements, and he has not yet ended the Ukraine war. A meeting between President Putin and President Trump may provide more direction.

Read paragraph 6 of the Monthly Review of Portfolio Performance to 31 December 2024 for our views on investment markets and global political developments. It also reviews portfolio performances and provides insightful analyses.