13/07/2026
To our valued investment clients:
As winter settles in and the colder weather reminds us of the changing seasons, it is an appropriate time to reflect on recent global events and, more importantly, on the progress and resilience of your investment portfolio.
Staying the Course Through Market Volatility
Recent events in the Middle East have understandably created uncertainty in global financial markets. Periods like these often lead investors to question whether they should make changes to their investment strategy.
However, history continues to remind us of one important truth: markets recover.
The two JSE graphs below tell an important story. The 1st graph shows the market until February 2026, before the current geopolitical tensions. The following graph reflects where the market stands today, after the conflict has unsettled investor sentiment.
While the recent decline is visible, it is equally important to step back and look at the bigger picture. Over the past several years, the overall trend has remained firmly upward. Temporary pullbacks have occurred before, and each time the market has eventually recovered and continued its long-term growth trajectory.
It is also worth remembering that 2025 was an exceptional year for equity markets, delivering remarkably strong returns. Those gains were so substantial that, even after the recent correction, the market remains well ahead of its longer-term growth trend. In other words, the current decline should be viewed in the context of an extraordinary period of market appreciation rather than as a sign that long-term investing has failed.
Successful investing has never been about avoiding every market downturn. It is about remaining invested through periods of uncertainty so that you can participate in the eventual recovery. Investors who react emotionally to short-term headlines often risk missing the strongest days of the market, which historically have occurred during or shortly after periods of volatility.
As your financial adviser, my focus remains unchanged: helping you achieve your long-term financial objectives. Short-term market movements are a normal and expected part of investing, while your financial goals extend many years into the future.
Our message is simple:
• Do not panic.
• Avoid making emotional investment decisions based on current events.
• Stay invested.
• Remain focused on your long-term financial goals.
Markets have weathered wars, recessions, pandemics, political uncertainty, and countless global crises. Through all these events, they have demonstrated remarkable resilience and an ability to recover over time. Patience and discipline remain two of the most valuable assets an investor can have.
Time in the market has consistently proven to be more valuable than trying to time the market.
Market uncertainty can be uncomfortable, but it often creates opportunities for disciplined investors.
Oil Prices
Brent crude oil prices declined sharply over recent weeks as concerns about global demand and easing supply pressures weighed on the market. However, prices rebounded during the past week after renewed tensions in the Middle East reignited fears of potential disruptions to global oil supplies. This serves as a reminder that geopolitical events can have a significant short-term impact on commodity prices, although such volatility is a normal feature of global energy markets.
At GraduateWealth BlueStar, our commitment to every client remains unwavering.
Our role is not only to help you build wealth during favourable market conditions, but also to provide guidance and reassurance when markets experience periods of uncertainty. While recent geopolitical events have created short-term volatility, it is important to remember that the exceptional market growth experienced during 2025 has meant that long-term investors remain in a stronger position than they were before the Middle East conflict began.
History has consistently shown that successful investing is not about timing the market, but about time in the market. Those who remain disciplined, focused, and invested over the long term have historically been rewarded as markets recover and continue their upward trajectory. We remain confident in your long-term investment journey and look forward to helping you achieve your financial goals for many years to come.
Remember to drink good coffee 😊
Pieter Venter
