The World Bank projects that the global economy will maintain a steady growth rate of 2.7% in 2025 and 2026, consistent with the previous two years.
While this stability is noteworthy, the growth rate remains insufficient to significantly alleviate global poverty, particularly in developing economies where sluggish investment, high debt levels, and the escalating costs associated with climate change present formidable obstacles.
In 2017, after an almost decade-long boom, the local listed property sector abruptly swung into a 3-year decline. Underperformance, due to a 20% appreciation in the Rand (on an index generating almost 40% of its income abroad), was followed by reports of share manipulation and misleading statements by the Resilient stable, which comprised nearly 40% of the index, resulting in share prices falling up to 65%. Shortly thereafter, we experienced the COVID pandemic. The index fell 55% amid lockdowns, work-from-home policies, and low levels of landlord pricing power.
The recent United States (US) presidential election, with Donald Trump’s landslide victory, has highlighted a stark disconnect between traditional media narratives and on-the-ground reality. Many mainstream channels projected Vice President Kamala Harris as the likely winner, shaping public sentiment and investor outlook. However, when results rolled in, the disparity between predictions and outcomes sparked a wave of doubt around whether the media truly serves to inform or merely to perpetuate agendas.
As the United States (US) focusses on the results of the presidential election, America’s economic success is front and centre. The US economy has grown nearly 3% on average for nine consecutive quarters, and foreign investors have eagerly poured capital into American assets. This influx has pushed the US’ share of the global stock market to an unprecedented 60%. But behind this image of prosperity, there is a reality that is less glamorous and far more troubling. For many Americans, this growth feels distant, as most economic benefits remain concentrated among the affluent.
Integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into investment processes enhances risk management. ESG-focused companies navigate regulatory, environmental, and social challenges better, avoiding litigation and reputational damage. Additionally, these companies tend to achieve superior long-term financial returns.
In a room filled with murmured conversations and intense discussions, top European Union (EU) officials are preparing for what could be a seismic shift: The possibility of a Donald Trump presidency in 2024. With polls now leaning in Trump’s favour, European leaders are assessing potential impacts on trade, defence, and foreign policy. The urgency is palpable as they prepare for the economic ripples that a Trump administration might bring to Europe’s economy.
China’s economy, long seen as a key driver of global growth, has entered a period of significant slowdown. In the third quarter of 2024, the economy expanded by 4.6% year-on-year, marking the weakest growth in 18 months and falling short of the government’s 5% full-year target.
The first interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) has happened and now the focus has shifted from “when” to “where”: Where are interest rates heading next? This shift is more than a mere change in phrasing; it is a sign of the evolving economic landscape, with real consequences for growth, investment, and employment.
South Africa’s (SA’s) post-apartheid dream of a prosperous nation remains unrealised for many. While political freedom was achieved in 1994, economic freedom and opportunity have lagged. Poor leadership, particularly in government, is a key cause of this. A lack of accountability has resulted in flawed policies that hinder economic progress, leaving millions in poverty.
In a small corner of Europe, Scandinavia has built economies that many around the world envy. Meanwhile, South Africa (SA) faces a different set of economic challenges. While the two regions differ in size, population, and history, lessons can be learnt from the successes of the Scandinavian model. The story of how these Northern nations created wealth and then successfully redistributed it can inspire us to chart a similar course in SA.
