Economy
Lessons from an unexpected contender in the Rand’s battle against ongoing currency weakness
Over the past two years, South Africa has not only weakened against the dollar, but it has come up against an unexpected contender: Mexico. The Mexican peso has performed much better than the SA rand against the dollar since mid-2022, when the peso decoupled from our exchange rate after closely tracking it for years.
Financial Services
Experts reveal the BEST Time to Trade
Traders know that the difference between seizing an opportunity and missing out on a big trade can hinge on timing a trade’s execution.
Fintech
Central bank digital currencies: What they mean for financial inclusion and private sector banks
The world’s central banks understand that the future of money is digital. As payments shift online, the use of cash declines and the fortunes of crypto assets rise and fall, central bankers realise that their ability to command the use of money in their economies could weaken and that the financial exclusion of un- and underbanked citizens could be cemented.
Instruments & Investments
S.A listed property – Key considerations
South African investors have a love-hate relationship with listed property, with significant shifts in sentiment and demand evident over the last 10 years.
International
African Growth and Opportunity Act eligibility requirements under review in three African countries
On 2 November 2021, US President Joe Biden announced that three African countries would be terminated from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program, unless they took urgent action to meet statutory eligibility criteria by 1 January 2022.
Markets
Introduction of JSE and Xpansiv Collaboration: New Carbon Market Unveiled by JSE Ventures
With keen interest, SAIFM acknowledges the recent collaboration between the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and Xpansiv, the global environmental markets infrastructure provider.
Personal Finance
Offshore vs onshore trusts: here’s what you need to know
Offshore trusts are becoming increasingly popular with South Africans looking for broader investment options and ways to protect their assets from political and economic volatility. However, it’s important to know the key differences of offshore trusts to unlock their full benefits.