BN Portfolio Update: SA stocks rebound; Bitcoin surges; Pick n Pay value play; Purple Group's rise

In this May update, Alec Hogg and Stuart Lowman reveal strength in the BizNews share portfolio. SA stocks defy expectations amid political uncertainty, Bitcoin continues its upward momentum, and value opportunities emerge in Pick n Pay and Sasol. The duo also explore the investment case for ASP Isotopes, and whether quiet reform signals are finally breaking through post-Oval Office showdown..Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here.The auditorium doors will open for BNIC#2 on 10 September 2025 in Hermanus. For more information and tickets, click here..Watch here:.BizNews Reporter.The BizNews Share Portfolio webinar returned in May to its regular monthly schedule - by popular demand. Premium subscribers have made it clear: they want regular engagement, investment insights, and a chance to share a laugh. And with markets and geopolitics shifting rapidly, there’s plenty to discuss.Alec kicked off the session reflecting on last week’s now-infamous “slamdown” in the Oval Office between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Donald Trump. While political theatre played out for the cameras, Alec emphasised that the real action happened behind closed doors - where, he believes, significant pressure was applied to the South African delegation. Key takeaways include American demands to reform or abolish South Africa’s 142 race-based laws and drop the ICC case against Israel.This, Alec notes, is part of a deeper challenge: South Africa's economic growth has trailed population growth for 17 consecutive years. The result? Rising frustration, limited opportunity, and a skewed system where small business owners face punishment for success due to rigid BEE thresholds.In this environment, investors need to tread carefully - but not pessimistically. Encouraging signs include a notable rise in the iShares MSCI South Africa Index Fund post-visit, suggesting international investors are sensing a possible shift in economic policy. As Alec remarked, “The smart money says the penny has dropped.”Turning to the portfolios, BizNews’ Rand-based portfolio has defied expectations. Despite political noise and the post-“Liberation Day” tariff announcement from Trump, it’s up 3.3% over two months. Standout performers include:Purple Group, buoyed by its Bitcoin exposure via EasyEquitiesProsus, up 9% even after switching from its overseas to JSE listingSasol, which Alec continues to champion as fundamentally undervalued.Others such as Sabvest, Anglo American, and even struggling Pick n Pay show promise, with Alec backing CEO Sean Summers to turn things around. “Boxer alone nearly justifies the whole valuation,” he said, noting Pick n Pay’s 60% stake in the high-growth retail chain.Underperformers like Lasaka and Afrimat are considered turnaround plays, supported by the view that if South Africa stabilises economically, these stocks stand to benefit handsomely.The dollar-denominated portfolio is up a remarkable 15% since 28 March - driven largely by Palantir, which has more than doubled in that time. Alec warns against “punting” shares but acknowledges that Palantir has paid for itself and is now a free ride in the portfolio. Similarly, the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF has surged, now making up 11% of the portfolio, having grown from an initial 2% allocation. “We didn’t take a big punt on Bitcoin,” Alec explained. “It’s just performed exceptionally.”New interest is also brewing around ASP Isotopes, a niche uranium and isotope firm building a next-gen production facility in Pelindaba. With growing defence spending in the West and global momentum behind small modular nuclear reactors, Alec believes this could be another "early Bitcoin"-like play - if backed by research and a measured position size.As always, Alec stresses diversified, informed investing. BizNews portfolios are model portfolios, but with real money behind them and transparent allocation guidelines for community members to follow. “Time in the market beats timing the market,” he reiterated.Looking ahead, Alec is cautiously optimistic. “The ideological blockage may finally be shifting,” he said. “And if common sense prevails in government policy, South Africa’s potential could yet be unleashed.”For a full breakdown of stock weightings, historical performance, and portfolio methodology, members can access the BN Portfolios section on BizNews.com.

BN Portfolio Update: SA stocks rebound; Bitcoin surges; Pick n Pay value play; Purple Group's rise

Related Stories