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.
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.
How the rand-dollar exchange rate affects your trading
Investing offshore is not only a good idea to access a broader opportunity set and diversify a portfolio across different geographies, sectors, and themes, but it also offers South African DIY investors the potential opportunity to benefit from differences in the rand-US dollar (ZAR/USD) exchange rate.
According to a working paper by the IMF, the ZAR/USD exchange rate is driven far more by global forces than by local data. The biggest contributors to rand volatility are swings in global commodity prices and rising investor fear, often measured by the VIX.
Unexpected U.S. economic data also moves the rand by shifting expectations around the dollar and interest rates. At home, political uncertainty tends to amplify volatility, along with local economic surprises.
What are preferred stock ETFs?
Let’s be honest, everyone loves preferential treatment, whether it’s priority boarding for a flight, VIP treatment at your favourite band’s concert, or a complimentary upgrade when checking into a hotel room. Investors are no different, which is why preferred stocks are popular additions in many portfolios. Understanding preferred stocks Preferred stocks – also known as […]
What real estate ETFs are available in South Africa?
Real estate is a popular investment option among retail investors as this asset class offers reliable long-term returns and good diversification within a portfolio, but not everyone is sold on the idea of directly owning and managing a physical property.
Investing in real estate through an exchange-traded fund (ETF), typically one that holds Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), offers a fundamentally different experience than physically owning and managing a property.
Year-end investing in South Africa: How to finish strong and start 2026 smarter
As the year winds down, South African traders and investors have a golden opportunity to finish strong. December often brings sharper price moves, renewed optimism, and portfolio rebalancing — making it the perfect time to position for 2026. From spotting JSE standouts like Shoprite, MTN, and Capitec to exploring global ETFs such as the Satrix NASDAQ 100, this is when smart investors act, not snooze. With Clarity by Investec, managing your investments is simple, seamless, and built for South Africans who want to take control of their financial future.
What are inverse ETFs?
DIY investors can utilise inverse ETFs to profit from market declines or hedge against portfolio losses. They also offer an alternative to traditional short selling, which requires a margin account and entails specific risks and management costs.
What are monthly income ETFs?
Monthly income ETFs are a carefully curated basket of income-generating investments, such as dividend-paying stocks, bonds, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other securities, all managed by professionals who collect the income from these holdings and distribute it to you on a monthly schedule.
What are the best-performing UK ETFs?
For South African DIY investors looking to diversify beyond our borders, the United Kingdom (UK) market offers compelling opportunities that deserve a spot in your global portfolio.
The UK is an important developed market that offers political and economic stability and mature financial markets.
How to save towards investing in South Africa
While many South Africans put off investing until they have a significant lump sum ready to deploy into the market, the most effective approach is to carve out a portion of your monthly income to grow your investments consistently.