The Problem with Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Etherium (see article “Demystifying Virtual Currencies”) have generated a great deal of interest because of their spectacular gains (and losses). Investors are trying to determine if cryptocurrencies are an investment opportunity, a bubble or the end of money as we know it. In his considered and detailed report Brandon Zietsman, CEO of PortfolioMetrix, argues that when investing in cryptocurrencies one needs to be clear-headed about the risks (a view with which I concur). Click here to read the article.
JSE All Share (ALSI) Performance Is Being Driven by a Handful of Shares
ALSI performance driven by a handful of shares.
Stripping out Naspers, British American Tobacco and SAB/Anheuser tells a different story. (click on the graph to enlarge)
Source: Coronation Fund Managers
Hurry up and Wait!
(An argument for sitting tight when the news is bad…)
While it is true that no one has a crystal ball for financial markets, there is some interesting research available that shows what has happened in the past during difficult times. Arguably, this research illustrates the point that often, the smartest thing to do is to wait! (click on the graph to enlarge)
Why stay invested?
Political Events Do Not Drive Long Term Returns
With the Gupta-leaks revelations sending confidence to new lows and the battle within the ANC before the December conference continuing to dominate headlines, it is easy to imagine that political events ultimately drive stock market returns, however, the graphs below show that it is not political events but ultimately earnings that drive long term returns. (click on the graph to enlarge)
