“The secret of Big Macs is that they’re not very good, but every one is not very good in exactly the same way.” (Joel Spolsky) The concept is straightforward: in theory, the same things should cost the same globally. The Big Mac is a great product to compare because it’s sold in over 100 countries…
Dear Client, While we are fully aware that 2020 has been a year of real challenge and struggle for many, I am writing this letter to celebrate the positives and there have truly been many. Allow me to take you on a brief journey from macro to micro; from Covid and Capitalism, to the Financial…
South African businesses have a strong history of successfully expanding their operations offshore and becoming well renowned global businesses. This has been done to access growth opportunities in offshore markets and to diversify away from a lower growth and higher risk domestic environment. While some companies have achieved success in their offshore pursuits, there are…
For many investors keeping track of their portfolios is an anxious pursuit. Markets seem to behave in a non-sensical way at times, with any manner of factors causing anguish. Inflation expectations, GDP growth, sentiment, the oil price, central bank policy, debt levels, company mergers and acquisitions, cases of fraud and market disruption. These are all…
There has been a lot of fear mongering by the media and by those with agendas around the matter of policy reforms regarding Retirement Funds. Below we are sharing an article and response from Allan Gray’s team which provide a lot of clarity. Will prescribed assets be used as a policy tool? Sandy McGregor, Allan…
An interesting trend has emerged out of the depths of the current crisis: Gold has made a stunning comeback. Recently it surpassed $2000 for the first time in history[1] after languishing for much of the past decade. Right now, gold is the consensus trade in portfolios. This trend goes hand in hand with another phrase…
Dear Clients, In this newsletter, we will describe 4 common scenarios where having life cover is important and how best to structure it. Death can be an expensive affair and in this regard, here are few very important tax and legal fee considerations: Estate Duty The first R3,5 million of your net estate is free…
Dear Clients, While you may not already know, we are hoping that this letter will take a giant leap forward in emphasising our core WHY, or purpose, which is FINANCIAL WELLNESS. And what better way to show our commitment to Your, and Your Family’s, Financial Wellness, than by writing this High-Alert Message on Covid-19’s raising…
In the midst of the uncertainty and trying times we face, it is important to make sure that you are covered for every eventuality. As your financial adviser who takes care of your Life Insurance and/or Investment portfolio, you have entrusted me with making sure that your family’s financial and emotional needs are catered for…
“I feel I change my mind all the time. And I sort of feel that’s your responsibility as a person, as a human being – to constantly be updating your positions on as many things as possible. And if you don’t contradict yourself on a regular basis, then you’re not thinking.” – Malcolm Gladwell …
Here is a powerful piece by JP Landman, who consults to Nedgroup Private Wealth (Pty) Limited, which we found very encouraging. We hope that you enjoy it too. Remember to keep in touch with us, we’re here to help where ever we can through this tough time! Enjoy, Stuart and Jonathan The new coronavirus has…
