Could South African equities be one of the market’s overlooked opportunities?
After years of trading at a steep discount to global markets, South African equities may be offering investors a compelling opportunity. With JSE valuations significantly lower than those of the US market, improving sovereign credit ratings, a stronger commodity backdrop and South Africa’s exit from the FATF grey list, several catalysts are aligning to support local equities. While risks remain, attractive pricing and improving fundamentals suggest the JSE deserves a closer look as part of a diversified investment strategy.
Not everything is negative: Finding the opportunities in this year’s El Niño
El Niño is expected to bring hotter and drier conditions to South Africa, with potential implications for crops, food prices, household spending and interest rates. But the impact will not be the same everywhere. With South Africa entering the season with strong maize stocks and relatively low food inflation, there are important buffers in place and opportunities for companies and sectors that may benefit from the changing conditions.
Correction, bear market or crash? Why words matter
When markets fall, the language we use can influence how investors respond. A correction, bear market and crash describe different magnitudes and experiences, but the size of a decline is only part of the story. Looking at the depth, speed and duration of drawdowns – and how long markets have historically taken to recover – provides a more useful perspective than reacting to the latest headline.
A new type of intermediary – Al agents and financial advice
AI will undoubtedly change financial advice – and in many ways, it should. It can make information more accessible, help advisers work more efficiently and give people a starting point when professional advice feels out of reach. But financial advice has never been just about information. It is about judgement, context and behaviour.
Are we heading for a “chip wreck”?
AI may still be one of the most powerful investment themes of our time, but after two extraordinary years of semiconductor gains, expectations are running high. As chip stocks begin to weaken, the question is no longer whether the AI revolution is real – but whether valuations have already priced in too much of the future.
Beyond asset allocation: Why manager selection matters
Where asset allocation determines where you invest, manager research determines how you invest. The strongest portfolios don’t rely on a single investment view; they combine multiple specialist perspectives to build more resilient outcomes.
Where we see opportunity in the second half of 2026
The first half of 2026 confirmed that this is not a standard late-cycle environment. Growth is slowing unevenly, inflation risk is elevated following the Middle East energy shock, and fiscal space is more constrained than in prior cycles.
Saving versus investing
Saving is essential, but on its own it is not enough to build real wealth. While saving protects your money, inflation and tax can quietly erode its value over time. Investing, by contrast, allows your money to grow meaningfully, especially over the long term, where compounding becomes a powerful advantage.
Why waiting to save is costing you more
Saving often feels like something to start later, but that moment rarely comes as expenses rise with income.
The difference is not how much you earn, but the habit of saving consistently, even in small amounts.
Starting now builds momentum and turns saving from a sacrifice into essential financial protection.
This savings month – remember your Tax-Free Savings Account is not a “savings” account
A Tax-Free Savings Account is often misunderstood, not because of what it does, but because of what it’s called. Despite the name, it is not designed for short-term saving or everyday access, but as a powerful long-term investment tool.