MARKET COMMENTARY & INSIGHTS
Stay informed with the latest updates, market commentary, and insights from our investment specialists.
Market Overview May 2026
Global risk assets delivered solid returns in May 2026, with markets largely looking through ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and several equity indices reaching new highs. The month was driven by three dominant themes: Middle East geopolitical risk, higher-for-longer inflation concerns and the continued AI-driven equity rally.
Market Overview April 2026
Global markets experienced heightened volatility over the past month, driven by military action targeting Iran and its nuclear program, which sent crude oil prices sharply higher to record their largest calendar month increase (+63.3%) since before the first Gulf war in 1990.
Market Overview February 2026
Global markets remained resilient despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty, with February marked by a widening performance gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world.
Market Overview January 2026
Global equity markets started 2026 on a resilient note, with emerging markets outperforming developed markets, supported by a weaker US dollar and strong returns in countries such as South Korea and Brazil.
Market Overview December 2025
Global Market and Economic Summary Global equities ended December on a positive note, capping a strong year for both Developed Markets (DM) and Emerging Markets (EM), despite a backdrop of unusually high uncertainty.
Partnering for Prosperity: Introducing the CITRINE SA Investment Range
At Austen Morris Associates, we believe in empowering our clients with access to the world’s leading investment insights and solutions. That’s why we’ve partnered with Morningstar to create ‘CITRINE’. This is an investment range tailored for South African investors who are looking to grow and protect their wealth, both locally and globally.
Market Overview October 2025
Global markets extended their gains in October, as risk assets posted broad-based gains supported by resilient economic growth, an increasingly accommodative monetary policy backdrop and rising corporate earnings expectations.
South Africa removed from the Grey List
For nearly three years now, South Africa has carried an uncomfortable badge of dishonour: inclusion on the dreaded Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) ‘grey list,’ a register reserved for jurisdictions with ‘strategic deficiencies’ in their defences against money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (FT). Last month, that stigma was finally lifted.
Market Overview September 2025
Global equity markets extended their gains in September, with many major indices reaching or approaching all-time highs.
Why South Africans Can’t Afford to Wait When It Comes to Retirement Planning
When it comes to retirement, one truth stands above the rest: the sooner you start planning, the more freedom you’ll enjoy in the years to come.
Planning Today for Their Tomorrow: The Case for Education Saving
For many South African families, education is one of the biggest financial commitments they’ll ever make. And with rising school fees and the cost of higher education escalating each year, the best time to start planning is always yesterday.
Why Clients Really Choose a Financial Advisor And What It Means for You
At Austen Morris Associates, we understand that choosing a financial advisor is rarely a decision based solely on numbers or portfolios. According to a recent study conducted by Morningstar, emotional drivers, like peace of mind, trust, and guidance, are just as significant as financial needs when it comes to hiring an advisor.