Currency Capers
Recently, a relative gleefully sent through the pictures below to inform us that our upcoming US vacation would likely have a vegetarian slant, given the cost of buying steak. He further pointed out that for the price of two steaks, you could buy a decent-sized television. At just R2 000/kg, you could be forgiven for […]
The Ins and Outs of Investing Offshore with Asset Swaps
We are often asked about Asset Swaps and Feeder Funds as the terms can be confusing. This article explores these concepts, terminology and how they fit into an investment strategy. Investors can access offshore markets in two main ways: by investing directly offshore or through a feeder fund or asset swap structure. We are hoping […]
3% Inflation Could Change Everything
The South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) recently lowered interest rates in line with expectations but commented that they were now aiming for the lower end of the 3-6% target range for CPI, rather than the midpoint of 4.5%, as previously communicated. The finance minister cautioned against interpreting this as official policy, indicating […]
Webinar: Trump, Turmoil and Tailwinds
With global markets gripped by uncertainty, geopolitical chaos is drowning out fundamentals, making it difficult for investors to distinguish short-term noise from long-term opportunity. From ongoing conflicts and trade tensions to the unpredictable influence of a certain U.S. president, asset markets and investors are holding their breath whilst events unfold. In this webinar, Ian Jones, […]
Market Update: Global Tariffs
Over the past week the pending implementation of U.S. tariffs on the rest of the world has taken shape through higher-than-expected tariffs, and this has shocked the financial markets, leading to weakness across most asset classes and regions. This is a typical ‘risk-off’ event where there is indiscriminate selling of equities, real estate, credit and […]
When AI Steps Off the Screen: The Real-World Revolution
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it” – Alan Kay 1 When electricity first lit up a bulb, it dazzled the public. But that was just the beginning. Over time, it became the invisible force behind industry, transport, communication, and modern life itself. Today, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at a similar […]
Quantum Leap – How Quantum Computers Are Rewriting the Rules of Tech
The growing demands of AI, data science, and global complexity are pushing classical computing to its limits. In response, quantum computing is emerging – a breakthrough as transformative as the telescope was to the naked eye when trying to map the universe. In this article we focus on the development of quantum computing and explore […]
U.S. Trumping the Tariffs
On April 2nd 2025, President Donald Trump declared “Liberation Day”, unveiling a comprehensive tariff strategy that would apply to more than 100 trade partners aimed at addressing perceived trade imbalances. The immediate aftermath saw significant turmoil in global financial markets. In this article, we delve into the rationale behind President Trump’s tariff strategy, examine its […]
Beyond the Factsheet: Inside the Engine Room of Your Investments
When you invest in a unit trust or model portfolio, it’s natural to focus on the fund’s name, past performance, or the reputation of the asset manager. But what actually powers your returns? The answer is simple: businesses. Think of your portfolio as a ship. The factsheet is the dashboard, the fund manager is the […]
Survival of the Fastest
Remember Netscape Navigator? The company was the dominant web browser and search engine in the 1990s, later displaced by Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon as the kingpins of the internet age. At the height of Netscape’s success, Google was a one-year old startup, Microsoft was just releasing Windows 2000 – its latest operating system that […]