Breaking News
Our investment preference for local over global assets in the next year is premised on the combination of superior
expected fundamentals, more favourable valuations and some anticipated rand strength. Several fundamental
drivers for the South African (SA) economy and asset classes have now become clear tailwinds, including the fading
impact of loadshedding and optimism that accelerated policy reform implementation will push growth higher.
Sanisha Packirisamy, Chief Economist at Momentum Investments Group
Editor’s Thoughts.
Editor’sAs you know, new year’s resolutions aren’t my thing. I do, however, utter one sentence on the first day of every new year: “May this year be the most boring year ever”.
Looking at the current macro environment leads me to the disappointing conclusion that, once again, my wish seems improbable. Firstly, next Monday sees the inauguration of a new (old) POTUS. This time with a bit more zest as the seemingly close relationship between Trump and homeboy Elon Musk makes it feel a little more personal to us South Africans.
In today’s Top Picks, Simon Fillmore (Independent Securities) shares the good, the bad and the ugly on the US markets. Reading (or listening) to this article will bring you right up to date on the state of US markets on the eve of Trump’s second term.
The evolution of AI also promises to deliver some challenges in 2025 warns Chris Blair (21st Century). The issue of AI and ethics is a huge one I feel is being somewhat overlooked. Let’s talk about that more.
And finally, no article on this, but there are rumbles in the local markets of only one possible interest rate cut this year. Since the MPC’s last meeting in November, the rand has weakened against the dollar and the Fed is expecting to make fewer rate cuts than initially expected.
2025 most boring year ever? Highly unlikely.
Top Picks.
EBnet Stream: How Joint Standard 2 of 2024 on cybersecurity applies to retirement funds
Vanessa Jacklin-Levin, Partner, and Tshepo Twala, Associate, at Bowmans
EBnet Stream: Understanding investment surveys
John Anderson, Executive: Solutions and Enablement, Alexforbes
Send your articles and content (max 800 words) to the Editor. If you are an independent contributor, your content will be shared as an EBnet Independent Opinion.
Editor’s Live Updates.
The Editor attends many industry conferences and events and will keep you updated from these live through X, as they unfold.
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Notice Board.
Most Recent Reads.
Beware the Fat Man
Simon Fillmore, Chief Investment Officer at Independent Securities The other day, I walked into a presentation with a client who, upon seeing the title of our discussion, commented,...
The evolving world of AI and HR
Dr Chris Blair, CEO at 21st Century “Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche innovation to an essential technology driving transformation across industries. In Human...
2025 Outlook: Quality earnings are more predictable than the market
Clyde Rossouw, Head of Quality at Ninety One Global equity market performance in 2024 There wasn’t much evidence of the market broadening out in 2024, with the Magnificent Seven...
Revolutionising South African banking with Generative AI: A practical guide
Eshmael Mpabanga, Client Account lead within the Financial Services practice at Accenture, Africa The global banking landscape is experiencing seismic shifts, driven by the rapid...
How Joint Standard 2 of 2024 on cybersecurity applies to retirement funds
Bowmans
Vanessa Jacklin-Levin, Partner, and Tshepo Twala, Associate
Understanding investment surveys
Alexforbes
John Anderson, Executive: Solutions and Enablement
Why are South Africans struggling with debt?
Consult by Momentum, Fairlands
Anton Heyneke, Financial Advisor
Fees and value in retirement fund investments
Sasfin Financial Advisory Services
Jason Becker, Head Client Services
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