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INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
HEADWINDS REMAIN BUT MARKETS START IN POSITIVE TERRITORY
► MARKETS BOUNCE BACK
Equity markets experienced welcome respite in January, after a torrid end to 2018. Both developed and emerging market equities gained over 7% in total return terms, boosted by signals from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) that it would be more patient with further rate rises, as well as by improving rhetoric towards China from the White House. Risk assets recovered some of the losses made in the fourth quarter. Even so, political uncertainty remains a headwind, while recent macroeconomic data releases continue to send mixed signals about the outlook for the global economy.
The S&P 500 Index rose steadily in the first half of the month, before tracking sideways and finished the month 8.0% higher; despite the disruptions to government activities caused by the 35-day partial shutdown of the federal government. This was triggered by a stand-off
between Trump and Congress for US$5.7 billion worth in funding to build a wall on the Mexican border.
In Europe, European equity markets ended the month firmly in positive territory. The Eurostoxx 50 Index climbed 5.6% in January 2019.
► SLOWER ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CHINA Concerns over a slowdown in China have not dissipated. Real GDP for the fourth quarter was announced at 6.4% year on year—dipping below the 6.5% mark for the first time. In the face of rising uncertainty emanating from the domestic slowdown, as well as the trade tensions with the US, the Chinese authorities have looked to provide stimulus to the economy.
The slowdown in China affected the Japanese market as lower demand hurt global manufacturers’ earnings and as poor results from US manufacturers spelt trouble for Japanese suppliers of machinery.
LOCAL MARKETS
DESPITE VOLATILE DECEMBER, JSE ENDS HIGHER
► JSE CLOSES HIGHER
After wild swings during November and December 2018, equity markets sailed smoothly into January 2019. The SA market followed the direction of global markets and the FTSE/JSE All-Share Index ended the month 2.8% higher than in December, buoyed by gains in financial shares.
The JSE’s Financials Index shot 6.0% higher, after posting a mild 0.6% gain in the previous month. The JSE Resources Index also closed in positive territory at 3.3% higher than the previous month. Resource shares were supported by a 3.0% bounce in the gold price and a 3.3% gain in the platinum price. This was thanks to fears of a weakening trend in global growth, which drove investors to safe-haven investments. Gains in the JSE Industrials Index were muted at 0.9% for January 2019, with mid-cap shares (2.3%) outperforming small-cap shares (2.0%) in the month. Listed property shares staged a comeback in January 2019, soaring 9.2% in the month; although this was off a very low base.
The SA rand was the best-performing currency against the US dollar in January 2019. The rand appreciated by 7.9% against the euro and 5.5% against the pound in the corresponding period. Other Emerging Market currencies that performed well against the dollar in January include the Russian rouble (6.6%), Brazilian real (6.2%) and Chilean Peso (6%).
► INFLATIONLOWER
Headline inflation released by Statistics SA for December 2018 registered in line with expectations of a dip to 4.5%. The significant drop from 5.2% a month earlier was largely due to an R1.84 c/l cut in the price of petrol. A dip in fuel inflation from 19.2% to 7.7% between November and December 2018 resulted in a decline in administered price inflation from 12.1% to 8.0%.
Administered price inflation, which is primarily driven by fuel prices and electricity, water and sanitation charges, has averaged 7.1% since 2009 and remains an upside threat to the inflation forecast. The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) projects a 9% increase in electricity prices for 2019, which is below the energy utility’s (Eskom) 15% requirement.
Inflation, excluding administered prices, recorded at 3.8% in December 2018, which is notably below the midpoint of the SARB’s 3% to 6% inflation target. Given that the SARB’s influence over administered prices through monetary policy is relatively limited, an argument can be made that the current monetary policy stance is appropriate. However, the SARB has reiterated its intention to bring inflation expectations closer to the midpoint of the inflation target range in order to create more flexibility in monetary policy to deal more effectively with external shocks.
► CONSUMER CONFIDENCE UNCHANGED Consumer confidence remained at its 2018 low of
7 points in the fourth quarter of 2018. The consumer confidence index, compiled by FNB and the Bureau for Economic Research at Stellenbosch University and released in late January, said: “Consumer sentiment settled at a much lower level during the second half of 2018 compared to the extraordinarily positive numbers booked at the height of Ramaphoria.”
This, however, is still above the long-run average reading for the CCI of 2 points and higher compared to the low levels recorded between 2015 and 2017. This suggests that most consumers are fairly optimistic that the outlook for the South African economy and their own household finances will improve during the next 12 months, FNB said.
► RETAIL AND VEHICLE SALES UNDER PRESSURE Although consumers may feel more hopeful for the year ahead, retail sales figures for the 2018 festive season show that household budgets are under pressure. Several of the larger retailers like Wool- worths, Mr Price, Clicks and the likes of furniture retailer Lewis Group all reported that the typical Christmas spending boom did not materialise at the end of last year. The larger retailers all cautioned that a difficult year awaits when trading updates were released in January.
Issues like high debt levels, higher petrol prices (compared to a year ago) and the VAT hike were listed as contributing factors.
The automotive industry also had little to cheer about. New vehicle sales stumbled into 2019 with industry sales down 7.4% to 42 374 units year-on-year. According to Naamsa, passenger vehicles sales declined 10.8%, while light commercial vehicle sales remained flat with 0% growth compared to January last year.
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Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
