Wayne McCurrie says goodbye

Wayne McCurrie, one of South Africa’s best-known and personable investment analysts, is hanging up his boots.

McCurrie, who served as a portfolio manager at FNB Wealth and Investments, announced his retirement via social media on Wednesday, 30 October.

“I have enjoyed my time in investments. It was both frustrating and rewarding. I just hope I have given you more good than bad advice,” he said.

McCurrie was born and raised in Kimberley. He found a job as an articled clerk at an accounting firm and started studying part-time.

He completed a BCompt Honours degree and qualified as a chartered accountant, setting him up for a career in finance. He joined Lifegro Limited as a management accountant in 1988.

After a stint at Sage between 2002 and 2004, he re-joined the FirstRand Group as managing director of Momentum International Multi-Managers.

He was also a senior portfolio manager at Momentum Asset Management, responsible for managing the Momentum funds and retirement fund portfolios.

Before moving to FNB Wealth and Investments, McCurrie was a fund manager at Ashburton Investments.

Since 10 December 2008, he has been a non-executive director of Strategic Real Estate Managers and the manager of the Emira Property Fund.

McCurrie is known for his strategic insights and expertise in financial markets with knowledge which spans many financial fields.

He has a deep understanding of asset management, investment strategies, and economic analysis, making him a respected voice in South Africa’s financial sector.

He is a household name in South African investment circles and is a regular market commentator on Business Day TV, 702, CNBC Africa, ENCA, and Newzroom Africa.

Last year, McCurrie shared what he learned after 30 years in investments in a series of Twitter comments.

His biggest lessons are that you never stop learning and that 95% of your market experience is cyclical.

He said structural changes do happen. They are unstoppable but are usually evolution rather than revolution.

People’s comments about Wayne McCurrie’s retirement

Hundreds of South Africans thanked McCurrie for his contribution to the South African investment and asset management industry.

Here are some comments from people in South Africa’s investment industry.

• Giulietta Talevi – You were a constant in my journey through this confounding world of markets, and you were the sage that we turned to again and again.

• Lindsay Williams – Thank you for your unique commentaries with me for more years than I care to remember. You’ve made what many others make unnecessarily complex, understandable, interesting, and accessible.

• Irnest Kaplan – Congratulations on a fabulous career. I have listened to so many of your commentaries over the years and have learned a lot. Thank you.

• Chantal Marx – Happy retirement, Wayne. You will be so missed. I feel very privileged to have learnt from and worked with one of the greatest of all time,

• James Stuart Morris – You have inspired so many of us and made us enjoy researching our stocks with your simple advice. Thank you.

• Anthony Jackson – Thank you for years of sensible, straightforward, and practical sage advice. You will certainly be missed.

• Carl Liebenberg – Thanks for all the input over the years. I learned a tremendous amount from you when I was in the wealth management game.

• Ntuthuko Mazibuko – A teaching I learnt from you: “You only find out the market has bottomed the day after it has bottomed.” Many thanks for your teachings on Business Day TV.

• Karen Naven – All the very best, Wayne. Thanks for your objective and sober advice. I loved listening to you on the Money Show over the years.

• Magnus Heystek – You are a legend, Wayne, and now you can spend more time working on your beloved classical cars.

• Derek Prout-Jones – Godspeed, Wayne. Thanks for the memories. I always enjoyed your honest, down-to-earth and balanced views.

• Tom Robbins – Thank you, Wayne, for cutting through the noise and making complex issues simple. It’s a rare talent and a sign of exceptional intelligence.

His long-time Stock Watch co-guest, South African investment legend David Shapiro, said McCurrie would be sorely missed.