Business View Caribbean - Feb 2024

Making More Po ible OPEN AN ACCOUNT TODAY! Why Choose Us? 876 926 7767 WWW.CUMAXWEALTH.COM CLIENTSERVICES CUMAXWEALTH.COM *Asubsidiaryof the jamaica co-operative creditunion league *Amemberof theJamaicaStockExchnage *Amemberof theFinancialServicesCommission We provide unique products and wealth management opportunities Fixed Income: Corporate and Government Bonds (Local + Global), Repurchase Agreements (JMD, USD), Private Placements Local Equities: trading on All JSE Markets, IPOs, APOs, JTRADERPRO (online trading) Global Markets: Cumax Equity Plus+ (Canadian Stock Market), (US Stock Market-coming soon) Cumax Funds (Unit Trust) Pension FundManagement & Administration PortfolioManagement Advisory Services PORTFOLIO LET US MANAGE YOUR J$20,000.00 START AS LOW AS *UNIT TRUST RIGHT STOCKS as we choose the FOR YOUR INVESTMENTS Making More Po ible EQUITYFUND Investment Portfolio! Let Us Help To Build Your trend to investors’ preference for the relative safety and higher returns of interest-bearing instruments during uncertain times. This flight to safety, especially in the post-Covid era, has contributed to the downturn in the market. However, Dr. Street Forrest emphasizes a silver lining in this scenario, noting that “over the long haul, you are still better off in the stock market.” Highlighting the discrepancy between company performance and stock prices, Dr. Street Forrest points out that many well-performing companies on the exchange are undervalued, presenting a unique opportunity for investors. “The access to these companies has become easier because the prices of these shares are down,” she observes, encouraging investors to view the current market conditions as a sale. This perspective is about capitalizing on low prices and recognizing the potential for significant returns as the market corrects itself. Dr. Street Forrest advocates for a strategic investment approach, urging investors to diversify their portfolios across and within sectors to mitigate risk and maximize potential gains. “Take advantage of the market. Look to diversify within or outside of a sector,” she advises, underscoring the importance of not succumbing to herd mentality but finding value where others may not. This approach is particularly relevant in market downturns, where fear often leads to missed opportunities. THE JSE’S CENTRAL ROLE IN JAMAICA’S ECONOMIC RESILIENCE After the global pandemic, economies worldwide faced unprecedented challenges, striving for recovery and growth amidst continuing uncertainties. Jamaica, renowned for its vibrant culture and tourism industry, has demonstrated remarkable resilience, buoyed by strategic economic policies and initiatives. Within this context, the JSE remained a linchpin institution critical in the nation’s economic revitalization and growth. Dr. Street Forrest paints an optimistic picture of 54 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 02