Tag: interest rate
Rethinking portfolio resilience in volatile markets
Periods of market turbulence have long tested investor conviction. When uncertainty grips financial markets, traditional portfolios often reveal vulnerabilities. Recently, shifting US policies, fluctuating interest rates and geopolitical tensions have driven this uncertainty.
2025 GNU budget – prioritising growth in uncertain times
After the false start of 19 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled the 2025 Budget on 12 March. The main tax policy proposals include raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate by 0.5% in each of the next two years. This will bring VAT to 16% in 2026/2027. It will be accompanied by no inflationary adjustments to personal income tax brackets, rebates, or medical tax credits.
2025 Budget Speech highlights – VAT hikes and spending priorities
The updated South African National Budget for 2025, tabled on 12 March, tries to balance the need to address the country's fiscal challenges. At the same time, it aims to stimulate economic growth and improve public services. Over and above these priorities, it also balances political pressure from the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Budget Speech 2025 – mining sector impact
We note the tabling of the delayed 2025 National Budget. As with previous budgets, the steps announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana highlighted the need for higher growth rates in the domestic mining sector and the broader economy.
Inclusive SME financing solutions
For more than half of all South Africans, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the reason they are currently employed. This vast network of entrepreneurs, representing 98.5% of South Africa’s commercial enterprises, contribute 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Navigate retirement with confidence
Imagine you’re on a highway with guardrails providing a safety barrier that keeps you from going off course. These guardrails guide you safely to your destination. However, when you reach retirement, the guardrails come off, leaving you uncertain. Which direction should you take to ensure the rest of your journey is safe?
Two-Pot system – impact on equities and retirement
The introduction of the two-pot system, together with possible interest rate cuts, decent momentum in wages and lower inflation, could boost consumer confidence and drive an increase in spending in the months ahead. This is expected to be positive for domestic retailers, particularly discretionary names (clothing and furniture mainly).
Navigating the transition from JIBAR to ZARONIA – South Africa’s benchmark...
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently announced the completion of the observation period for the South African Rand Overnight Index Average (ZARONIA). This development marks a pivotal shift in South Africa’s financial landscape, transitioning from the Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR) to ZARONIA as the primary reference rate.
Nedbank interim results and dividend declaration for 6 months ended June...
The operating environment during the first 6 months of 2024 was challenging and economic activity remained weak, impacted by geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates, persistent inflation and general uncertainty ahead of the national elections in South Africa (SA).
Boardroom woes, commodities and unstoppable stocks
This vidcast discusses the boardroom woes at Quantum foods, before wrapping up with the latest challenges facing PnP. We then look into the latest data from the US and what it means for potential interest rate cuts. The aim is to get a better understanding of the driving factors, investment cases and opportunities that may present themselves.
