Government debt is approaching 75% of GDP, with interest payments consuming nearly 20% of state revenue. South Africa’s economy is at a critical juncture. While many signs point to ongoing structural decline, recent policy shifts and economic activity indicate a possible slow recovery. The key question remains: Will SA continue its downward spiral, or can it stabilise and grow?
Economic development is often examined through the lenses of policy, technology, and finance, but the influence of cultural norms and values cannot be overlooked.
Cultural attitudes shape how markets operate, businesses function, and individuals engage in economic activity.
Recent articles in major outlets have debated the implications of Elon Musk stepping in as President Donald Trump’s second-in-command. Some worry that this development signals a backdoor coup, a private-sector takeover of democracy, or a power play designed to boost Musk’s fortune.
Yet a close examination of Musk’s track record paints a different picture. An exploration of the most common criticisms surrounding the Musk/Trump partnership illustrates why it could usher in a more innovative and robust economy, both at home and abroad.
Worldwide, economic powerhouses and emerging markets are reinventing themselves by adapting to new trade patterns, fostering tech innovation, and leveraging financial liberalisation.
South Africa, in contrast, often appears caught up in an older paradigm, struggling to enact policies that spur job creation or attract robust foreign investment.
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.
