Tag: Cannon Asset Managers

The COVID-19 pandemic, much like Black Monday in 1987 and the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, has presented a number of opportunities to buy stocks at seemingly 'bargain' prices. But even if a stock seems like a steal, the infamous case of Hertz demonstrates the perils of investing for 'fear of missing out' or FOMO without first doing your homework.

A sharp fall in the rate of consumer price inflation has defanged what was initially paraded as 'aggressive' monetary policy action intended to stimulate the floundering economy. Given a muted inflation outlook, and the depressed economic setting, the question is not if the South Africa’s Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will cut interest rates this week, but rather by how much?

Following the endless stream of COVID-19 headlines, extended lockdowns and associated economic hardships, we are all suffering from Armageddon fatigue. It is easy to become pessimistic in the face of the very real challenges we are grappling with.

Moody’s finally dropped the sword on South Africa on Friday evening, following in the steps of fellow ratings agencies S&P and Fitch in downgrading the country’s sovereign credit rating to sub-investment grade or 'junk status'. And the COVID-19 crisis and current lockdown mean that even before factoring in the impact of Moody’s decision, the economic outlook for SA in 2020 is harrowing.

Markets are walking on eggshells as the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), first reported from Wuhan, China in late December 2019, is wreaking economic havoc. Data from the world’s second largest economy shows a plunge in business activity in the last month, including massive declines in passenger traffic, electricity generation, shipping volumes and real estate transactions.

January marks the start of both a new year and a fresh and exciting new decade with many more challenges and surprises in store. So, as we wrap up 2019 and prepare to set off into the roaring 20s, I found myself pausing to reflect on the key financial lessons that life has taught me thus far, offered here for the benefit of others walking their own financial journeys.

History is one of investors’ greatest teachers, offering rich lessons and valuable guiding principles. But this aspect of investing is very much a level playing field – the past is 'open access'. The distinction of the skilled investor lies in the discipline of applying the lessons and principles from history to the future.

As a parent you may be looking for special ways to treat yourself and your loved ones this festive season, but rather than spending your hard-earned money on soon-to-be forgotten toys or designer clothing, now is the perfect time to invest towards your child’s future with a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).