Nigeria Rebound Exposes Global Benchmark Blind Spot in African Markets
Nigeria’s equity market posted a sharp rebound in April 2026, rallying over 15% after months of underperformance. The surge highlighted a systematic blind spot in global benchmark indices, which largely exclude or underweight Nigerian and broader African equities. Analysts argue that the omission skews risk‑adjusted returns for investors relying on MSCI Emerging Markets or FTSE Emerging indices. The episode is prompting calls for more inclusive, Africa‑focused weighting methodologies in global portfolio construction.
Protea Launches AMC to Mirror Worldwide Fund
Protea Asset Management announced the launch of a new Asset Management Company (AMC) designed to mirror a worldwide equity fund. The feeder structure will give South African investors direct exposure to a diversified global index while handling currency conversion internally....
Fund of Funds Dip as Markets Retrace
Fund of funds (FOF) assets slipped in early April as equity markets retraced from recent highs. The sector saw a 3% decline in net asset value during the first quarter, driven by heightened volatility and a surge in investor redemptions....
Funds Limit Losses in March Mayhem
In March 2026, heightened market volatility triggered sharp equity declines, but active fund managers successfully limited losses through disciplined risk‑management tactics. Average drawdowns among large‑cap equity funds fell to 1.8%, well below the 4.5% benchmark loss recorded by passive indices....
Multi-Strategy Leads in February
Multi‑strategy hedge funds led South African hedge fund performance in February, posting a median 1.52% gain, while the HedgeNews Africa Single Manager Composite rose 1.33%. The broader market rallied, with the FTSE/JSE All‑Share Index up 7.01% and the All Bond...
Returns Vary in February’s Positive Markets
February closed with broadly positive market momentum, yet returns diverged sharply across asset classes and regions. U.S. equities posted a 2.3% gain, while emerging market indices lagged, delivering negative performance. Commodities rallied, led by oil and copper, whereas fixed‑income remained...
Solid Year for SA Hedge Funds, Underpinned by Retail Investor Support
South African hedge funds posted a strong performance in 2025, delivering double‑digit returns across most strategies. Assets under management rose by roughly 18%, driven largely by fresh capital from retail investors. The sector benefitted from a stable macro environment, lower...
Multi-Strategy Leads in January
South African hedge funds opened 2026 with a median gain of 1.49%, led by the multi‑strategy segment. The FTSE/JSE All Share Index rose 3.72% and the All Bond Index added 1.93% in January, providing a supportive backdrop. Long/short equity funds...