Assets & Investments

Investing is a personal choice and a number of influences will hold sway over where people put their money. A personal value system is one such influence and, for most South Africans, this appears to be non-negotiable. This is according to our recently released Global Investor Study 2020, an annual survey that canvassed the views of more than 23,000 wealth investors from 32 locations around the world

I recently saw multi-asset funds described as a 'balanced investment ready-meal'. I thought it such an apt description. A balanced meal has a variety of food groups represented, each providing different nutritional benefits. You’ll have some protein, some carbohydrates, some healthy fats and some vegetables.

Investors need to be aware of the long-term trends so they can make decisions that grow their investments, this means being well-informed about developments around the world and educating yourself on how these changes can affect you and your investment.

The JSE has identified focus areas for listed companies to consider when raising capital to weather the COVID-19 crisis, including the amount of information they need to disclose. Over the last few months, many issuers have approached investors to raise capital to weather the COVID-19 storm or are in the process of doing so.

The process of buying and selling real estate can be complex, especially for those who have never been through it before. To shed some light on the topic, I run through some of the popular home-selling myths that have become commonplace in the property market.

The envisaged future relaxation of the prohibition on 'loop structures' will be accompanied by amended tax laws, but current proposals are likely to result in more tax on certain structures. National Treasury has proposed a number of amendments to tax legislation as a result of the potential future relaxation of the SA Reserve Bank's current prohibition on so-called 'loop structures'. 

As increasingly more investors begin to question the purpose and impact of their investments, beyond a singular focus on return, unlisted alternative assets have demonstrated how supporting environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) principles can generate solid returns for investors, while also having a tangible, positive and lasting impact.

Fear-fuelled stockpiling offers astute investors valuable insights into human nature. In August 2020, South Africans formed long queues outside liquor stores across the country, hoping to stock up on alcohol before a rumoured ban came into effect. But, as it turns out, the ban was fake news, spread on WhatsApp and social media.

Those fortunate enough to have some excess cash on hand are in a unique position within the global context as workers across the world continue to grapple with the economic fallout of COVID-19. While there may be the temptation to utilise excess cash flow on shorter-term expenses, recent events have emphasised the importance of positioning your finances for an uncertain future.

Systematic investing is a scientific, evidence-based approach that takes the emotion out of investing and allows for better investment outcomes as decisions are based on rules. This mathematical approach offers more science and less art; has a higher success rate; is more predictable and generates higher returns for investors, with lower fees.