Elections
A new era for Nigeria
While much remains to be done, Nigeria’s new administration is beginning to lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable future. Thys Louw explores the implications for debt investors.
Global
Thys Louw
Portfolio Manager
About
Thys is in the Emerging Markets Fixed Income team at Ninety One and is co-portfolio manager for the Emerging Markets Hard Currency and the Africa Fixed Income strategies. He contributes to regional analytical research for Africa, as well as Top-Down asset allocation.
Prior to joining the Fixed Income team Thys spent two years in roles within the firm’s client service and investment support teams. Before joining the firm, he spent two years at Anglovaal Industries as an analyst within their corporate finance department.
Thys holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree in Investment Management from the University of Pretoria and is a CFA® Charterholder.
In the company since
2012
Years in the industry
15
More from Thys Louw
Global Frontier Debt: understanding – and navigating – an increasingly relevant asset class
Frontier markets are increasingly relevant for today’s portfolios, but expertise and conviction are vital for successful investment outcomes.
Boots on the ground: a different perspective on the IMF Spring Meetings
Three members of our EM Debt team went to Washington, DC – we asked them to share their highlights and pointers for investors, including a behind-the-scenes perspective on this important annual event.
Africa rising: the next frontier in fixed income
Thanks to favourable growth and demographic trends, Africa’s role on the global economic stage is rising. The region’s fixed income markets have much to offer investors: double-digit yields; strong return drivers; powerful diversification benefits, to name just three. This is a new frontier that is well worth exploring.
Senegal’s journey from setbacks to stability
Recent setbacks in Senegal’s pursuit of economic stability have left it firmly out of favour with fixed income investors. But my meetings gave me comfort that the key ingredients for a more sustainable future – fiscal reforms and an IMF support package – are still attainable.
Tailwinds and opportunities in EM hard currency debt
A variety of dynamics point to a stronger investment case and good entry point into the asset class.
Decoding tariffs: A framework for investors in EMD
With tariffs becoming an increasingly unpredictable tool of US economic policy, Sangeeth Sewnath, Head of Americas, sits down with our experts Thys Louw and Sahil Mahtani to discuss how investors should approach tariff risk.
Tackling tariff risks
With US trade tariff-related uncertainty now top-of-mind for investors, Thys Louw and Aurelie Martin present our proprietary framework for assessing sovereign vulnerability, and explain how tariff-related market volatility could present investment opportunities.
What the US election means for emerging markets investors
A shift in gear or more of the same? Portfolio managers Archie Hart and Thys Louw consider the implications of Trump’s election victory for emerging markets and discuss what it means for investors.
Ninety One reacts to the US election
Chief Sustainability Officer Nazmeera Moola, Emerging Market Fixed Income Portfolio Manager Thys Louw, and Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Manager Archie Hart share their views on the US election.
Hidden GEMs: Africa’s frontier markets have further to run
Since Thys Louw, Emerging Market Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, discussed a renewed focus on frontier market debt earlier this year, the asset class has staged a remarkable turnaround – especially African markets. But it’s not too late to take advantage of some compelling investment opportunities. Thys outlines recent developments in the asset class and shares his thoughts on where to find the best opportunities.
IMF Spring Meetings: aligning perceptions with reality
Against a backdrop of heightened tension in the Middle East, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund recently met for their annual spring meetings with a focus on building resilience in the world economy. What was notable, according to our fixed income portfolio managers Thys Louw, Christine Reed and Nicolas Jaquier, was the shift in sentiment towards emerging markets.
Frontier markets move to the fore
With compelling valuations and strengthening fundamentals, frontier markets are starting to move back onto asset allocators’ radars as the external backdrop improves. Careful navigation is key, but the potential rewards are substantial.
Notes from the road: Egypt
Thys Louw shares insights gained from a recent trip to Cairo, where various factors appear to be aligning to suggest a brighter future for the Egyptian economy.
Weighing passive and active approaches to EM debt investing
Emerging market debt remains an asset class in which asset allocators favour an active management approach, but the passive versus active debate continues. This piece looks at the key considerations – relating to returns, fees and sustainability.
Time to take a closer look at EM hard currency debt
The EM hard currency debt market has grown and evolved significantly to become a broad and diversifying opportunity set. With favourable characteristics and supportive structural and cyclical dynamics, we think now is a good time for investors to take a closer look at the asset class.
Frontier markets: charting a more sustainable course as the global storm abates
After the recent market rally, Thys Louw reflects on the importance of reforms and the trend towards ‘green’ funding in frontier markets.
A new era for Nigeria
While much remains to be done, Nigeria’s new administration is beginning to lay the groundwork for a more prosperous and sustainable future. Thys Louw explores the implications for debt investors.
Notes from the road: Africa
In the wake of a bruising year that took yields and credit spreads to historic highs in Africa’s debt markets, Thys Louw’s recent trip uncovers an increasingly diverse landscape.
From the eye of the storm: African fixed income
Thys Louw reflects on recent market turmoil and assesses relative strength across this increasingly diverse investment universe.
Financing change
The evolution of frontier-market finance and implications for EM debt investors.