Tag: diversification

As economic and political dynamics shift in 2025, the South African (SA) Rand risks signal that we could be in for a bumpy ride. However, it might not be all downhill. Looking at the major market forces at play, there are top pressures on the Rand in 2025 that will be decisive for the Rand’s performance in the coming year.

2024 marked the biggest election year in human history. Over 70 countries held elections, representing more than half the global population. Estimates show that over 80% of incumbent parties lost voter support in 2024 compared to the previous election. This shift made 2024 a significant year for global democracy.

Hedge funds have become an important tool for retirement funds looking to secure their members’ long-term goals while managing risk. As traditional investments face challenges from global economic changes and high volatility, hedge funds offer a unique way for retirement funds to diversify their existing investment strategies and manage risk.

Capitec reports 36% growth in its financial results for the six months ended 31 August 2024, driving headline earnings to R6.4 billion. The nation’s leading retail bank – now with 23 million clients – says its strategic focus and continued investment in digital transformation since 2020, product diversification, and client-centric solutions continue to yield impressive results, positioning it as a trailblazer in South Africa's financial services sector.

In recent years, family offices have emerged as formidable players in the global financial landscape, managing substantial wealth on behalf of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. Although there is still a preference by some family offices to adopt a more hands-on approach by directly acquiring private companies and properties, many are mitigating risk by co-investing with seasoned private equity professionals in direct investments.

South Africa’s automotive sector has seen a steady downshift in sales with a year-on-year decline for the fourth consecutive year due to inflation, high levels of debt, a rising cost of living and unpredictable fuel hikes forcing consumers to tighten their purse strings.

The rise of financial technology (fintech) in Africa is not just a story of innovation; it's a narrative about empowerment and transformation. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of limited access to traditional banking services, fintech has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a path towards financial inclusion and economic growth.

No matter how much you love your job, financial freedom should be your ultimate goal. For those unfamiliar with the term, financial freedom can best be understood as a state where individuals or households have enough financial resources to cover their living expenses without having to depend on work to maintain their standard of living.

While inflation is moving steadily lower, we believe the secular shifts of deglobalisation, decarbonisation, and demographic change – the "3D Reset" - will keep inflation and interest rates higher for longer. With the added challenge of geopolitical conflicts, many investors are reassessing their private equity allocation. But almost every year since 2008 has involved a crisis for investors in private equity.

For most people, purchasing a home represents the largest investment they will ever undertake, and carries emotional significance as a symbol of stability, security, and achievement. Property can offer much more than just a place to live – and it can also be a powerful investment vehicle capable of generating wealth, providing liquidity, enhancing cash flow, and diversifying one's portfolio.