Morningstar Shifted Global Portfolios Away From South Africa

Investors should note that $375 billion in assets were reallocated toward Brazil and Mexico following the firm's portfolio update.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Investing

Morningstar Shifted Global Portfolios Away From South Africa

Live Poll

Do you believe now is a good time to increase your investment in emerging markets?

Morningstar has removed South African stocks from its global portfolios in a major adjustment to its investment holdings. The firm currently favors Brazil and Mexico as key emerging-market opportunities.

Why it matters

The firm rebalanced its holdings due to concerns regarding South Africa's relatively weak economic growth. This move maintains Morningstar's overall overweight stance on emerging-market investments.

Morningstar manages $375 billion in total assets across its global portfolios. The firm has now divested from South African equities to focus investment capital on Brazil and Mexico.

The players

Morningstar

An investment research and management firm that oversees $375 billion in assets.

The details

Morningstar adjusted its global portfolio strategy by exiting South African market positions while increasing its exposure to Brazil and Mexico. This rebalancing follows a strategic decision to avoid regions with weaker growth trajectories. By shifting capital into these favored markets, the firm continues to maintain an overweight position in emerging-market securities.

Timeline

  1. September 29, 2026: Morningstar published its portfolio adjustment report.

Money Landscape

This reallocation marks a significant pivot within Morningstar's ongoing overweight stance on emerging-market investments. It reflects a tactical shift in how institutional managers currently weigh growth potential across developing economies.

Investors with exposure to funds managed by the firm may see their geographic weightings change as these assets are rebalanced. Consult with a qualified financial professional to review how these institutional shifts align with your personal risk tolerance and long-term goals.

The takeaway

Institutional portfolio adjustments like this reflect a broader effort to mitigate risks associated with stagnant economic growth. Review your own international investment statements to ensure your current geographic diversification still matches your intended level of risk.

Further reading

Learn more about broader market trends in our Investing section.

Live Poll

Do you believe now is a good time to increase your investment in emerging markets?