DURING DECEMBER LAST year, many Namibians clamoured for the opportunity to travel, see new sights and roam the globe’s tourist attractions.
This does not come as a surprise as we looked to the future following years marred by lockdowns, restrictive regulations and deaths.
No doubt, a much-needed breath of fresh air was welcomed.
Enter 2025 and the world is holding its collective breath as news of the outbreak of a new Covid-like virus, called the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), in China is doing the rounds on social media and major news outlets.
This was almost like déjà vu after the outbreak of Covid-19 in Wuhan, China, five years ago.
At home, the much-awaited rainfall has caused devastation in areas where Namibians are housed in river beds and catchment areas.
This was met with many good Samaritans extending a helping hand to those affected and a collective call for the city council to construct proper drainage systems and housing for destitute Namibians in Windhoek.
At the same time farmers and producers welcomed this much-needed help from above in the face of what was certainly a drought-like situation.
PLANNING AMID UNCERTAINTY
This begs the question – with so much uncertainty, how does one plan for anything?
Within the asset management space, we consistently declare our inability to predict the future.
While there is no crystal ball to determine how the markets would respond to any global crisis – whether caused by climate or disease – past experience does provide a notable tool to defray emotions and maintain confidence.
Sanlam Investments in particular navigates uncertainty by referring to decades-old data and trends observed in terms of sentiment, trading cycles and deviations.
What sets Sanlam Investment apart is having the data and transforming that into knowledge to better our decision-making.
Some 102 years of information has made us able to cater to corporate clients like pension funds and medical aid schemes, as well as Namibians looking to live with confidence.
We offer products that deliver stable returns and consistency, as well as products that deliver long-term returns over longer investment periods.
FINANCIAL FOCUS
If you’re looking for an investment fund that can be used for emergencies such as unexpected life changes, retrenchments or a family emergency , consider our Enhanced Cash Fund or our Floating Rate Fund.
If you’re looking for an investment fund geared to pay for your children’s school or university fees in five to seven years, then our All Namibian Fund and Balanced Fund should meet your needs.
Perhaps you’re looking for a retirement cash basket that can subsidise your retirement annuity and enhance your lifestyle in seven to 10 years? Then our General Equity Fund offers you optimal returns over the long term.
Understand how much risk you’re willing to take.
TIME IS KING
The rule of thumb with investments is this: Time is king.
Investments provide short-term capital protection, which comes at a lower return.
Higher returns are coupled with a longer investment period so as to leverage market fluctuations and the compounding effect of dividends.
Ensure you have a financial adviser to break down the aspects you’re unsure of.
- Stephanie de Klerk is a business development consultant at Sanlam Investments.
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