“The decision to invest offshore is predominantly influenced by the search for superior returns in addition to stability and security of assets, in hard currency,” says Trevor John, Head of Old Mutual International Sales and Distribution.

Currency fluctuation 

Preoccupation with the short-term volatility of the rand and the conversion rate in question when planning to invest abroad is prevalent among local investors. Traditionally while the rand strengthened, global markets tended to correct at the same time, voiding the strong showing of the rand. 

In the past, it seldom happened that the rand strengthened while the markets went down.  It still holds that if you’re waiting for that “perfect” time for the rand to improve to send money offshore, the market is continually moving. Investors would do better to phase in these investments over a set period to account for these currency fluctuations. “Timing the rand remains a risky strategy. And more importantly, from the time that investors take the money offshore, investors need to value the investment in the currency in which they have invested. If they’ve chosen US dollars, then growth needs to be measured in US dollars,” he adds. 

Where to invest?

While the South African investment environment is relatively limited, offshore investing has the added complexity of a choice of thousands of companies and funds to invest in. This is where intimate knowledge and expertise of the offshore investment space plays a crucial role. 

If an investor is risk-averse, lumping all their money into risky offshore equity markets is futile. An investor risk and needs analysis must be done by their financial advisers first and foremost to decide on the various asset classes to invest in abroad. Money invested offshore is normally for medium- to long-term horizons and often forms part of investors’ discretionary investments. 

There is also the added complexity of geographical exposure to markets in the US, UK, EU, or emerging markets, among many others. It is thus highly advisable that a client’s investments are seen to by a financial adviser, in conjunction with an investment manager who can structure a discretionary portfolio according to the investor’s risk profile. 

Ultimately, when looking at offshore opportunities, investors, together with their financial advisers, need to consider time in the market, not timing the market or the rand. 

John urges investors eager to explore their offshore options to consider more than just returns. “In addition to potential returns, the various investment structures available also need to be considered, as well as tax implications and estate planning consequences. All of these factors can impact the ultimate success of an investment. DM/BM

By Trevor John, Head of Old Mutual International Sales and Distribution