Entries by Christine van Graan

Global and local tides of economic change

The global economic environment is crucial to SA’s economic outlook. Here’s where things currently stand. In many countries, the tides of economic change often ripple subtly. But in South Africa they crash like waves and reshape our landscape dramatically.

How to navigate uncertainty with strategic insight

In the ever-evolving landscape of global economics, recent political and financial developments offer valuable insights into market dynamics and investment principles. In this economic commentary, we explore how leadership, market sentiment, and strategic decision-making shape economic outcomes.

Africa’s wealth landscape

Africa is home to a dynamic and growing wealth segment. According to the latest Henley & Partners Africa Wealth Report, the continent boasts 135 200 millionaires, 342 centi-millionaires, and 21 billionaires, collectively holding an impressive $2.5 trillion in investable wealth.

Navigating the inflation landscape

The latest United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released in May, provides valuable insights into the current economic landscape and its implications for investors and financial advisors in South Africa (SA). Understanding these dynamics is crucial to making informed investment decisions in today’s global market.

Local equities: Opportunities for the patient investor?

Over the past few years, South African (SA) equities have seen significant foreign outflows and extreme bearish sentiment from the global investment community. This was amid an environment that supported a shift away from risky markets, and various local headwinds or own-goals. The 2023 Alexander Forbes Large Manager Watch Annual Survey showed that even local asset managers have significantly down-weighted their allocation to SA equities over the past 5 years, holding just under 40% compared to the long-term average of 55%.

The dollar’s global dance: Stability and strain

In this week’s exploration of economic narratives, we look at the almost omnipresent influence of the United States (US) dollar: A currency that wields unparalleled sway over the international financial landscape. While the US accounts for a modest 15.5% of global gross domestic product (based on purchasing power parity), its currency forms the backbone of global reserves and dominates international transactions. The implications of this scenario are profound, both economically and geopolitically.

How to outperform cash

Cash provides an attractive interest rate but other options are available to enhance this yield.

Corporate manoeuvres and macro-economic indicators

In this week’s economic commentary, we dissect an intriguing interplay between corporate manoeuvres and macro-economic indicators that could shape the financial strategies of investors and policymakers in the near future.