I have purposefully refrained from commenting on world events for some time, not wanting to add to the overwhelming noise. However, in a raging, cacophonous world, we need to consider how we position not only our money, but ourselves for security and sanity.
At a recent event, Hendrik du Toit, CEO of Ninety One, argued that we are not moving through another market cycle, but through structural change. “We are at the end of a world dominated by a single superpower,” he said, not predicting collapse, but a redistribution of influence as the world becomes more multipolar. In this environment, the task is not to manage the “set of facts that confronts us on any particular day” but to consider the impact of constant disruption.
Du Toit mentioned the pivotal address by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said the post-Cold War “rules-based international order” is no longer functioning as it once did and that the world is facing a “rupture” in global norms and cooperation.
He described how countries like Canada prospered under that order, but that those rules alone will no longer guarantee security or prosperity. Rather than clinging to nostalgia, Carney urged middle powers to work together to build a resilient order grounded in shared values such as human rights, sustainable development, sovereignty, and mutual respect, and to resist coercive practices by great powers.
“Middle powers must act together because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”
What leaders like Hendrik du Toit and Mark Carney illustrate is a considered but decisive approach to change. We cannot ignore change, but neither must we adopt a reactive stance. For example, instead of relying on retaliation, Canada is circumventing US trade uncertainty by forging alternative trade relationships with other middle powers.
It would also be a mistake to write off the USA as a driver of economic development and growth.
Leadership is required in our own lives, too. We can choose our stance and limit the distraction of daily data. It would be a mistake to make dramatic shifts or positions to maximise returns. We must consider how to protect ourselves and our families, not by shying away from risk, but by asking which strategies can work under most circumstances.
We should position ourselves and our money with disciplined diversification and structures designed to withstand changing conditions.
We cannot be precious about our views. We must challenge our own perspectives and search for blind spots and outdated thinking. Think about where change will put you or your job on the menu.
Just like Canada, we need alliances. Strong families, friendships, and connections. A connected inner circle is essential for emotional resilience, and a wide, diverse network is equally necessary for financial security, vitality, and perspective.
The old order is out. Change is the new order. We must either act or risk our security and sanity.
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Kind regards,
Sunél
