September 2019 Overview
September 2019 Overview
The month of September rounded off the 3rd Quarter with the burning question top of minds: “Is this the real evidence of the World heading for a Global Recession?”
The month started with the introduction of the first round of trade tariffs implemented by both the US and China. And while hopes of an agreement to stabilise the Trade War simmered through September, the world still waits with baited breath for these talks to take place next week in Washington. Unfortunately the weight of the Trade War on investor sentiment has continued, even though many hold an optimistic view on a workable agreement…
Interest Rates were the next dominant theme, as both US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank (ECB) both cut rates in attempts to boost growth and support asset prices (not always the wisest move!). the subdued tone of the Fed’s statement on their interest rate outlook overshadowed the actual lowering of rates, which did place a dampener on any optimism following the rate cut.
Following the US accusing Iran of a drone-attack on Saudi oil fields, tensions in the Middle East kept financial markets on edge, pushing the price of Oil higher as concerns of a disruption to global oil supply were raised. And although Saudi Aramco reassured the World that disrupted supply would be resolved within two months, it did little to calm markets towards month-end.
Locally, South Africa’s 2nd Quarter GDP figures showed the local economy expanding again after a 1st Quarter contraction. Notwithstanding this, business confidence remains under pressure as we watch to see if/when government will follow through on its economic policy and action plan.
With all of the above considered, the Octagon Portfolios finished September nicely positive, supported by our overall defensive positions, our preference towards flexible income and broad diversification across assets, geographies and strategies.
For the recent fund fact sheets, click here
Octagon Financial
Share Article
Latest News
July 2022 Economic Review
Aug 10, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
Events that moved the market Q2 2022
Jul 19, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
June 2022 Economic Review
Jul 12, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
Please switch off all unnecessary appliances…!
Jul 4, 2022
Among his many pearls of wisdom, Sir Winston Churchill is quoted as saying, “The inherent vice of…
May 2022 Economic Review
Jun 10, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
Industry report: Fund manager changes Q1 2022
May 30, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
Why all the interest in interest rates?
May 23, 2022
In every newspaper, on every social media platform, and at almost every dinner-party conversation,…
Looking through the noise and seeing the wood from the trees!
May 17, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
April 2022 economic review
May 11, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.
Events that moved the market Q1 2022
Apr 11, 2022
Read this article on the Graviton Perspectives website. Click here.