Happy August, I hope you have had a productive 2026 so far. If not, we still have 4 months left in the year to make those dreams and goals a reality.
Thank You
From the 28th to the 30th of July, Stonehouse Capital held its incentive trip for the top 10 advisors, and I was fortunate enough to be part of this exclusive group, which was treated to a few days in the Pilansberg.
Being named a top 10 financial advisor is an honour, but this recognition truly belongs to you. Every goal we've reached and every plan we've built together have been possible because you trusted me with your financial future. Your loyalty and confidence, especially through uncertain times, mean more to me than any award could. This has never just been about numbers — it's been about the relationships we've built along the way.
Thank you for sticking with me and for letting me walk this journey with you. Here's to many more years of growing together.
Market Commentary
Markets remain volatile due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the overall uncertainty of the direction of US President Donald Trump.
With volatility this high, people tend to want to move to “safer” options like cash/money markets, but as you can see from the chart below, even with volatility remaining high, all asset classes are still outperforming cash over a 1-year period.
The main thing is to remain calm and stay invested, because when markets turn, they tend to turn quickly and very aggressively, and you don’t want to be stuck in cash when markets start running.
Returns % (to 31 July 2026)
Asset class
1 week
1 month
YTD
1 year
SA Equity (ALSI)
1.9%
1.2%
−1.8%
17.2%
SA Bonds (ALBI)
1.0%
−1.4%
2.8%
16.6%
SA Property (ALPI)
3.6%
2.2%
6.9%
26.1%
SA Cash (Stefi Composite)
0.1%
0.6%
3.9%
7.0%
Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in ZAR)
−0.2%
1.1%
11.2%
11.8%
Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in USD)
1.4%
0.1%
11.3%
22.1%
USD/ZAR – R16.47 as at 3 August 2026
(A negative number indicates appreciation of the rand)
−1.8%
0.7%
−0.4%
−8.7%
SA Equity (ALSI)
1 week
1.9%
1 month
1.2%
YTD
−1.8%
1 year
17.2%
SA Bonds (ALBI)
1 week
1.0%
1 month
−1.4%
YTD
2.8%
1 year
16.6%
SA Property (ALPI)
1 week
3.6%
1 month
2.2%
YTD
6.9%
1 year
26.1%
SA Cash (Stefi Composite)
1 week
0.1%
1 month
0.6%
YTD
3.9%
1 year
7.0%
Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in ZAR)
1 week
−0.2%
1 month
1.1%
YTD
11.2%
1 year
11.8%
Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in USD)
1 week
1.4%
1 month
0.1%
YTD
11.3%
1 year
22.1%
USD/ZAR – R16.47 as at 3 August 2026
A negative number indicates appreciation of the rand.
1 week
−1.8%
1 month
0.7%
YTD
−0.4%
1 year
−8.7%
If we compare cash vs a market-leading balanced fund like Allan Gray, we can see the stark difference over a 5-year term (R100 000 invested):
Now is a good time to review your investments, assess your progress and ensure that your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.
Contact me to arrange a portfolio review and discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
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Contact:
Mauritz Oberholzer
A Financial Advisor employed by Stonehouse Capital (Pty) Ltd, an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 50464)
