Old Mutual hosts talk on how to invest in tough times

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 SouthAfrica, 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.

Old Mutual Wealth Namibia recently convened its Strategic Investment Breakfast, drawing clients, economists, and finance professionals to unpack pressing global and local market trends and their implications for investment decisions.

The event, held under the theme of data-driven investing in a volatile world, spotlighted the need for disciplined strategies, long-term thinking, and fact-based financial decision-making amid geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainty.

Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth South Africa

Keynote speaker Izak Odendaal, Chief Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth South Africa, addressed the global outlook, pointing to how geopolitical events—particularly the election of U.S. President Donald Trump—are reshaping investor behavior and sentiment worldwide.

“There’s a rethinking of global capital flows, as political instability in the U.S. challenges investor confidence,” Odendaal said. “In this climate, investors should stay grounded in valuation fundamentals, maintain a long-term view, and prioritise diversification over speculation.”

Odendaal advised against market timing, noting that although global equities have faced recent selloffs, many remain overvalued. He emphasised the importance of staying invested with a clear, disciplined strategy rather than reacting to short-term volatility.

Isaack Veii, Head of Distribution and Retention at Old Mutual Namibia Corporate Segment

Isaack Veii, Head of Distribution and Retention at Old Mutual Corporate Segment, turned the focus to local resilience tools. He highlighted the performance and structure of Smoothed Bonus Funds, specifically the Absolute Growth Portfolio (AGP) and Capital Growth Portfolio (CGP), designed to buffer against market turbulence.

“Smoothed Bonus Funds are built for resilience,” Veii said. “They provide peace of mind during downturns and still offer growth potential when markets recover. These solutions are particularly valuable for employers and retirement fund members who need long-term security.”

Expanding the conversation, Hein Davids, Business Development Manager at M&G Investments, underscored how artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, and diversified strategies can help investors navigate market complexity. He noted the strong performance of the M&G Namibian Balanced Fund, which posted a rolling return of over 9% as of April 2025.

“Volatility is inevitable, but disciplined processes and smart asset allocation continue to deliver long-term value,” Davids said. “Managing expectations is key. Real returns take time, and they require a steady hand.”

With Namibia and the region contending with the aftershocks of global developments, the event reinforced Old Mutual Wealth Namibia’s commitment to proactive portfolio management, investor education, and innovative financial solutions.