South Africans swipe more, save less as financial strain deepens
The SpendTrend25 report reveals how high interest rates and stagnant incomes are pushing consumers towards credit, loyalty rewards, and early retirement withdrawals.
#interestrates
Why the prescribed interest rate can cost you more than you expect
The prescribed interest rate isn’t just a technicality – it determines how much extra you’ll pay (or receive) in a legal dispute, and once it applies to a debt, it stays locked in, even if rates drop later.
Record R35.25bn outflow marks cautious year for South Africa’s CIS market
Reinvested income and strong interest-bearing portfolio performance led to net inflows of R85.82 billion in 2024.
US bonds: when a dead asset comes alive
With the risk premium of bonds relative to equities at a 20-year low, US bonds – particularly medium-term ones – are regaining their relevance in diversified investment portfolios.
Debt crisis deepens: South Africans using up to 75% of income to repay debt
DebtBusters’ Q4 2024 Debt Index reveals a worsening cash flow crunch, with rising reliance on short-term loans and record-high debt service ratios.
Why I am overweight in US assets
The US economy continues to surge ahead, driven by AI investments, resilient corporate growth, and strategic monetary policy.
The two key risks investors should watch amid the Trump noise
Old Mutual Wealth’s Izak Odendaal believes the only two risks that should concern investors are the US economy going into a recession and the Fed hiking interest rates.
Insurance sector proves resilient amid global uncertainty
Industry leaders at the IAIS annual conference unpack key risks facing the global insurance market, including the impacts of rising interest rates, geopolitical threats, and the growing role of AI.
Is South Africa back on track?
While challenges remain, improvements in energy supply, the rand, and infrastructure investment offer hope for future growth, provided the government continues to deliver on its promises.
SARB warns of the risks if SA fails to exit the grey list by June 2025
The bank’s Financial Stability Review also flags the growing financial distress among households and SMMEs and the vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector.
Rethinking inflation: SARB’s governor on achieving lower rates without sacrificing growth
Having reached the target of 4.5% with ‘little or no cost’, Lesetja Kganyago argues that South Africa can achieve permanently lower inflation and interest rates.
The China bazooka stimulus: risk assets melt up?
Interest rate cuts, infrastructure bonds, and a revitalised stock market – China’s new stimulus package is poised to impact global investment strategies.
Tobacco companies: outperforming but now only fairly priced
In a market facing economic challenges, Altria and BAT have outperformed major indexes. Ryk de Klerk explores the pricing of tobacco shares, risk premiums, and the factors driving their resilience.
How the two-pot system may impact household income and inflation
Economists assess the possible impact of the reforms on household consumption, real fixed investment, inflation, government debt, and GDP growth.
What the SARB is waiting for before it starts cutting the repo rate
Headline inflation softened to 5.2% in April, but the upside risks remain, particularly from food prices.
SARB hopes new deposit insurance scheme will result in banks paying higher interest rates
Bank Zero’s chief executive agrees that the Corporation for Deposit Insurance has the potential to boost the competitiveness of the new digital banks.
SARB signals the repo rate may not be cut until 2025
The markets are pricing for a rate reduction next year, and headline inflation is expected to return to the midpoint of the target band only in the last quarter of 2025.
