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For this year’s budget speech analysis, we turned to Melanie Stockigt, Portfolio Manager and Analyst at Laurium Capital, for her insights. The key takeaway? The budget reinforces fiscal discipline while aiming for pro-growth spending. Market reactions were mixed, with bonds and the rand seeing some volatility.

Global economic trends presented a mixed picture in the latest quarter. US economic growth slowed in the fourth quarter, but consumer spending grew over the same period. On the domestic front, South Africa saw positive developments, with retail sales expanding both in the final quarter and over the year. Encouragingly, the unemployment rate declined across all demographics, including youth, as…

Inflation continues to be a global concern, with notable increases in SA, the US, the UK, and Japan. SA inflation edged up slightly in January, after the first release since Statistics South Africa updated its consumer price basket. Despite the uptick, the headline inflation rate remains within the lower end of the central bank's target range.

Milton Friedman once said, “Keep your eye on one thing, and one thing only – how much government is spending, because that is the true tax.” As SA faces VAT hikes and economic mismanagement, bold leadership is needed. Read more on the reality we can’t ignore.

Selling a financial practice is much like selling a home—it requires careful planning to maximise its value and ensure a smooth transition. By preparing early and leveraging expert support, advisers can secure their financial future while protecting their legacy and the relationships they’ve built over years of dedication.

Results of an in-depth survey with some of SA’s leading asset managers for their views on what may lie ahead in 2025.

China’s stimulus package helped to boost economic growth in 2024, enabling it to meet government’s annual growth target while presenting an opportunity for more growth. South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Expropriation Bill into law, arousing controversy both locally and globally.

Global central banks are taking different approaches to monetary policy as they navigate inflation dynamics and economic conditions. The South African Reserve Bank lowered its repo rate by 25 bps to 7.50%, aligning with market expectations, while the US Federal Reserve held rates steady.

In 2024, there were some significant global geopolitical developments, including elections held in 54 countries and the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence. In South Africa, the formation of a Government of National Unity was a pivotal political transition. Key policy developments included the enactment of the National Health Insurance Bill and the implementation of the two-pot…

The US labour market improved, with more jobs added in November than October, while the unemployment rate was little changed over the same period. Data showed that South Africa’s inflation edged higher in November but remains below the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)’s 3-6% target range.