Our “Hot Topic” articles provide timely insights on the latest news and trends, offering clear, objective perspectives on market movements, industry updates, investment trends, behavioral finance, and key developments. These articles are designed to keep you well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape.
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The official 3% inflation rate in June 2025 doesn’t reflect the true cost pressures many South Africans face. Essentials like food and electricity push inflation much higher for lower-income households, pensioners, and certain regions. Tools like the “Braaibroodjie Index” highlight these gaps, showing why financial planning should focus on each client’s personal spending patterns rather than national averages.
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In South Africa, investors can choose between regulated and unregulated investment vehicles - each with its own level of protection, transparency, and risk. This article unpacks the role of regulation in protecting investors, the key differences between these two categories, and what to consider when evaluating investment opportunities.
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Hedge funds may not get as much attention as shares or bonds, but their strategic flexibility makes them a powerful addition to any well-diversified portfolio. Unlike traditional investments, hedge funds use a broader toolkit – including long and short positions, derivatives, and risk hedging – to deliver returns in both rising and falling markets. Thanks to Regulation 28, South African retirement investors can allocate up to 10% to hedge funds, offering an opportunity to reduce volatility, enhance diversification, and protect capital in times of market stress.
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As geopolitical tensions intensify, South Africa is facing a formidable challenge to its trade and economic stability. The U.S. government’s decision to impose a 30% tariff on South African imports, effective 1 August, underscores growing friction between Washington and BRICS-aligned nations.
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A growing narrative suggests that South Africa may have a statistics problem, particularly in how it measures unemployment, productivity, and household income. Central to this debate is the country’s large informal economy and extensive social grant system, which together complicate traditional definitions of labour market participation and income.
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In today’s hyperconnected world, we’re bombarded with investment noise - market updates, breaking news, expert predictions, social media threads, and sensationalist headlines. But as an investor, reacting to short-term events can do more harm than good.
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Despite clear data showing that more people are living into their 90s and beyond, many individuals find it difficult to picture themselves doing the same. Despite this, retirement planning strategies and financial products have yet to adequately adjust to these demographic and life-expectancy changes. The looming longevity crisis demands a re-evaluation of how long we should plan to live, and how to ensure sustainable income through those years.
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Each generation has a distinct relationship with money, shaped by the world in which they grew up. Investing isn’t just about numbers - it’s about people. Your experiences, values, and goals all influence how you view and grow your wealth. Understanding how your generation shapes your money mindset - and how to avoid its blind spots - can help you take control of your financial future.
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Seasoned investors know that trying to time the market is a risky game. Investing isn’t seasonal gardening - it’s more like cultivating a vineyard: it takes time, patience, and consistency before you enjoy the full reward. No winemaker pulls out vines mid-year just because it’s winter. They prune, plan, and prepare - because they know the harvest will come. The same is true of long-term investing.
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What may initially seem like chaos or decline is often a window of opportunity - where market volatility offers the chance to buy quality shares at discounted prices. It's a reminder that not all downturns are cause for concern; some are invitations to invest wisely.
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South Africa finds itself grappling with multiple economic challenges. The country received a blow with the imposition of a 30% tariff on its exports to the US, a move that came as a shock. Despite the challenging market environment and economic uncertainties both globally and locally, we remain committed to our tried-and-tested investment process.
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Global markets underwent a seismic response to last Wednesday’s announcement of sweeping tariffs by US President Trump. The temptation to do something in response to major events is ever-present. In times like these, it’s wise to remember that not taking action and not making knee-jerk decisions, is a decision in itself.
