#43: Investing in troubled times

Due to Simon's travels we recorded this episode a few short hours before news of the S&P ratings downgrade reached us. I was depressed about the state of affairs even then. I don't know if I would have been able to get out of bed for a recording after the downgrade. Weirdly we had a question about the downgrade on ice for this episode, so we delve into what it means. I also found this interview with our bestie Nerina Visser very helpful. So much was said and written about it in the 24 hours after it happened, I don't think I can contribute anything meaningful to the discourse. However, I did write this blog about it when it was all just a terrible possibility. I also made a list of downgrade-proof ETFs here. Simon's JSE Direct podcast also provides helpful information on what this all means.  I've been thinking about the impact of currency movements on my portfolio for a while. You may remember so far my investments haven't really been making much money. I get very excited when there's currency movement, because my entire tax-free investment account is made up of DBXWD and CSP500. When the rand weakens, these dollar-based investments momentarily shoot my portfolio into profit. It's a happy time until the rand strengthens again. This time around I've devised a plan to capitalise on it. I ask Simon to sense check me in this episode, then I did it. So far, I have no regrets. Kris