The following article is from Luke Ferguson, CEO, of Ferguson Hyams Investment Management, an Australian asset management business. It addresses the investment case around farmland and agriculture. The usual editorial disclaimers apply to commentaries from outside organisations. To comment, email tom.burroughes@wealthbriefing.com and amanda.cheesley@clearviewpublishing.com
Lambs on pasture in Central West New South Wales. Photo: Ferguson Hyams.
On Thursday 5 November the S&P 500 fell 4.36 per cent and the Nasdaq Composite 5.52 per cent. That was the Nasdaq’s biggest one-day fall since the tariff shock of April 2025, and it left the index more than 10 per cent below its record close of 6 October. Reuters, “Nasdaq posts biggest daily drop in 19 months on fears of AI regulations”, 5 November 2026 (via Investing.com). Closing levels for the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow; Nasdaq correction from its 6 October record; ~US$3 trillion S&P 500 value lost; causes; Federal Reserve officials’ comments. https://investing.com/news/stock-market-news/sp-500-futures-steady-after-midterm-rally-nasdaq-lags-on-chip-weakness-5003237
Yahoo Finance, “Stock market today: Dow plunges 1,800 points, Nasdaq enters correction in AI trade meltdown”, live coverage, 5 November 2026. PHLX Semiconductor −12.25%; VIX 28.18 (+70%); hedge-fund unwind; Brent crude ~US$98. https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/live/stock-market-today-thursday-november-5-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-oil-rises-chip-stocks-141439950.html
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, ministerial release, “Australia to remain world’s largest exporter of sheepmeat” (ABARES forecast). https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/australia-remain-worlds-largest-exporter-sheepmeat
Meat & Livestock Australia, “Sheep Fast Facts 2025”, October 2025. Record 2024 lamb and mutton exports; export value A$5.2 billion, +17%. https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/prices--markets/documents/trends--analysis/fast-facts--maps/mla_sheep-fast-facts-2025_301025.pdf
Ferguson Hyams Investment Management Pty Ltd (AFSL 490023) is an Australian agricultural investment manager. This article is general information for professional investors only; it is not investment advice, not an offer of any financial product, and does not take account of any reader’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Ferguson Hyams is registered with the UK Financial Conduct Authority under the National Private Placement Regime (FRN 1065311) to market the Ferguson Hyams Opportunities Fund (PRN 1065312) to professional investors in the United Kingdom; it is not authorised or regulated by the FCA. Investment in agricultural assets involves risk, including loss of capital and illiquidity, and income is not guaranteed. Past performance of any index is not a reliable indicator of future results. Professional investors who would like further information can register at www.fergusonhyams.com.au/contact