Tag: volatility

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).

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.

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.

Private markets are less liquid than public markets. Locking up funds for a significant period is unfamiliar to many private investors. Regulators worldwide are concerned about risks associated with private assets during market stress. A key regulatory focus is on liquidity mismatches in open-ended funds investing in illiquid assets. These mismatches occur when funds allow excessive flexibility on redemptions.

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?

Despite unprecedented external headwinds, MultiChoice achieved positive operational outcomes. Most notably, currency depreciation reduced trading profit by ZAR7 billion. This impact was felt over the last 18 months. However, through active interventions, MultiChoice navigated these challenges effectively. These efforts spanned the six months ending 30 September 2024 (1H FY25).

These are times of unprecedented change and disruption. New technological innovations and geopolitical events are just two of the major catalysts of change in the landscape of risk. In times of volatility, businesses are often faced with increased risk exposure, with opportunistic cybercriminals at the ready to exploit vulnerabilities and take advantage of loopholes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising global payroll management, making it more efficient and accurate – not only for businesses but also payroll professionals. AI isn’t replacing payroll professionals; it’s empowering them. The technology acts as a powerful partner, augmenting payroll professionals’ capabilities, enhancing their productivity and allowing them to play a more integral role in the organisation’s success.

In this vidcast, we dig into the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC) that took place in Beijing and what it means for the African continent. We also unpack some of the conditions that typically come with foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments and how Africa can negotiate these better.

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.