Trading update : 13 February 2026
The latest risk to equity returns is systemic selling pressures from trend-following algorithmic funds. This latest development adds to further AI concerns, as the insurance and tax sectors are the latest to take a hit from displacement through automation. However, savvy DIY investors are still finding pockets of opportunity – the world’s need for significantly more grid capacity is a case in point. While broader indices may be jittery, stock-picking remains “music to the ears” of the informed investor, from Spotify’s standout results to Coca-Cola HBC’s emerging market boost.
What are the magnificent 7 stocks and should you own them?
For the past decade, tech stocks that make up the Magnificent 7 have attracted substantial chunks of investor capital by delivering high growth and, in many instances, eye-watering returns.
This group of high-performing U.S. technology and growth companies have dominated market performance and driven significant gains in the S&P 500 (VOO-NASQ) due to their leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EV), and other technologies.
Trading update : 6 February 2026
In a classic tale of two halves, the global tech market is currently defined by AI-driven consolidation in the West and regulatory volatility in the East. While Elon Musk’s $1.25 trillion SpaceX/xAI merger and Palantir’s explosive US commercial growth signal a new era of industrial AI, Chinese tech giants like Tencent face bear market territory amid new tax fears. On home soil, DIY investors have a wealth of opportunities to get their share of markets, with the rand and Pepkor just two examples of strong local resilience thanks to economic reforms and a booming fintech sector.
What precious metals ETFs are available in South Africa
Precious metals are on a tear at the moment, with gold the standout performer, rising hitting a new all-time high above $5300/oz as investors look for shelter from global volatility and geopolitical risk. Platinum group metals (PGMs) are also benefiting from strong trends driving demand, like the transition to green energy and electric vehicles.
Trading update : 1 February 2026
The global investment landscape is currently witnessing a striking geopolitical shift, as European investors begin voting with their feet by diversifying away from US equities due to lingering trade tensions. While the S&P 500 recently breached the historic 7,000 mark, fuelled by an insatiable AI appetite, the market dynamics are shifting; Gold has surged past $5,200, and emerging market currencies are proving popular among carry trade investors.
What JSE concentration means for portfolio risk
While index investing is generally considered a good diversification strategy because it spreads investments across different assets, industries, and regions, the specific composition of the JSE means that a passive approach may introduce greater concentration risk into portfolios.
Trading update : 22 January 2025
With all eyes on Davos as global leaders meet at the World Economic Forum, US President Donald Trump continues to reshape the established world order. While markets work to understand the implications and consider an investment universe with less US exposure, CEOs like Prosus’s Fabricio Bloisi are forging ahead with confidence and bold plans, with particular focus on AI-led expansion into emerging markets, like India and LatAm.
Trading update : 9 January 2026
As we kick off 2026, a potent mix of state-led growth, technological advances, a commodities super cycle, and structural reforms are reshaping the global investment landscape. China remains a major cog in the global growth engine, with recent GDP upgrades and forecasts signalling the Chinese equity market still has room to run. This resurgence is part of a broader “risk-on” sentiment in emerging markets, where billions are flowing into ETFs as investors hunt for discounted valuations and a cushion against a stabilising dollar. Meanwhile, the AI arms race is entering a new phase of hardware accessibility following AMD’s launch of the MI440X targeting smaller corporate data centres. Closer to home, South Africa is flashing “greenlights” for investors as fiscal consolidation and electricity reforms begin to bear fruit.
Should I reinvest my Two-Pot Retirement Withdrawal?
In a country where the savings rate is very low and only about 6% of South Africans can afford to retire and maintain their current lifestyle, the two-pot retirement system was a major development for South Africa.
Since launched in September 2024, it’s made headlines for the amount of money withdrawn and the reasons people accessed the available funds.
Now that the initial frenzy has died down and a new withdrawal window is set to open in the new tax year in March, it’s important to consider whether it’s beneficial to use the available funds and how to get the most from any withdrawal.
Investor relations: Feeding you the investment info you need
Information is the lifeblood of every informed investment decision, which is why astute stock investors scour through quarterly and annual financial reports and other sources to get transparent and timely insights about the company and its performance and future prospects.
Without access to this data, investors would need to base their decision to buy, sell or hold a stock purely on speculation, rumours, or trends, which would significantly increase risk.