Old Mutual Wealth Namibia recently hosted a strategic investment breakfast, bringing together clients and industry professionals to unpack key global and local market trends and how these influence investment decisions and fund performance. The session focused on leveraging facts, data, and disciplined strategies to guide informed investment choices in an increasingly complex financial landscape.
Keynote speaker Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth South Africa, explored how geopolitical shocks, particularly the election of US President Donald Trump, are reshaping the global economic landscape.
“We are seeing a rethinking of global capital flows, as political instability in the US challenges investor confidence,” noted Odendaal. “In this climate, investors should remain focused on valuation, take a long-term view, and prioritise diversification.”
Odendaal cautioned against attempting to time the market, emphasising that while global equities have seen sharp selloffs, many remain richly valued. He urged investors to stay disciplined and committed to their long-term strategies.\
Isaack Veii, Head of Distribution and Retention at Old Mutual Corporate Segment, unpacked the value of Smoothed Bonus Funds, particularly the Absolute Growth Portfolio (AGP) and Capital Growth Portfolio (CGP), in navigating volatile conditions. These portfolios, designed to cushion against sharp market swings, offer a blend of security and consistent returns.
“Smoothed Bonus Funds are structured for resilience,” said Veii. “They offer clients peace of mind during downturns while still capturing upside during positive markets. Especially in uncertain times, these solutions help employers and retirement fund members manage their future with greater certainty.”
Adding a broader investment lens, Hein Davids, Business Development Manager at M&G Investments, emphasised the role of balanced fund strategies and artificial intelligence in managing complexity and enhancing long-term value. He highlighted the strong performance of the M&G Namibian Balanced Fund, which delivered a rolling return of over 9% as of April 2025, alongside a robust asset allocation model spanning local and offshore exposures.
“Markets may be volatile, but sound investment processes, a long-term perspective, and strategic diversification continue to deliver value,” said Davids. “It’s also about managing expectations, real returns take time and discipline.”
As Namibia and the wider region continue to face the ripple effects of global developments, the event reaffirmed Old Mutual Wealth’s commitment to empowering clients with trusted insight, proactive portfolio management, and market-leading expertise.
Photo caption above: From left to right: Hein Davids, Business Development Manager at M&G Investments, Tassius Chigariro, Old Mutual Namibia Group Chief Executive Officer, Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth South-Africa, Otto Makemba, Managing Director of Old Mutual Namibia Personal Finance, Wikus Fourie, Old Mutual Namibia Wealth Chief Executive Officer and Isaack Veii, Head of Distribution and Retention at Old Mutual Namibia Corporate Segment.