“In choosing a portfolio, investors should look for a lot of different types of investments and be ready to ride out the bad times as well as the good.” (Harry Markowitz, author of Modern Portfolio Theory) Lifestyle investments include eco-estates, renewables, private equity, vineyards, and art collections. Investing in these types of assets can not…
When Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, no one could have imagined what was to come. From imposing the highest tariff rates in a century to orchestrating mass deportations and engineering the longest government shutdown on record, Trump’s leadership upended the post-war world order. (And recent events in Venezuela suggest that…
All that glisters is not gold.” (William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice) 1. Cash ain’t king Let’s cut to the chase: cash is not optimal for long-term investments. While it is the safest asset class, shares, property, and commodities generally produce better long-term returns. Unit trusts work well in diversifying asset classes. What’s more, cash…
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” (Winston Churchill) Writing a will isn’t only about dividing assets – it’s about expressing your values, protecting your family, and reducing the risk of conflict after you’re gone. Yet many South Africans put it off. According to the…
“The bluntest pencil is better than the sharpest mind.” (Unknown) The Festive Season is traditionally a time for giving, and it seems a pity to have to mention the hard realities of the law right now. But, as a recent High Court dispute confirms, things can go horribly wrong if the people involved have different…
Gold broke through the psychologically significant $4 000-per-ounce barrier, surging over 25% and trading above $4 300 in late October. This rally represents a fundamental shift in how global investors view wealth preservation in an increasingly uncertain world. The gold price’s record rally has been driven by a perfect storm of factors: President Trump’s aggressive…
Economist and analyst JP Landman has written an insightful article on Project Vulindlela, South Africa’s major economic reform initiative. The article explains how the project is opening up key sectors including electricity, water, ports, and visas and fostering partnerships between government and private business. If the project continues successfully, it could significantly boost South Africa’s…
“In the face of too many choices, we often choose nothing—and pay dearly for it.” (Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice) Everyone knows about FOMO. But have you even heard of FOBO, let alone contemplated how it might be kaiboshing your wealth targets? Fear of Better Options is a clear and present danger… The buffet of…
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” (Benjamin Franklin) One of the biggest hurdles for new investors is the jargon. The investment world is filled with acronyms, technical terms, and specialist language that can be intimidating. But this language barrier shouldn’t stop you from asking questions or investing in your future. So, here is…
“A rich person should leave his kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing.” (Warren Buffett) In the next couple of decades, families with intergenerational wealth will be transferring far more than assets (including homes, holiday homes, and successful businesses and investments). They will also be transferring value systems and philanthropic support,…