February proved to be another volatile month for financial markets, as escalating geopolitical tensions, trade policy shifts, and obscure economic data releases fuelled market uncertainty. The month started with even higher levels of geopolitical tensions than usual, with United States (US) President Donald Trump announcing the implementation of tariffs against US trade partners.
Read full articleIt was a strong start to the new year for global markets, although not a very smooth one. Following Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States (US), he issued several executive orders and kept markets on their toes with back-and-forth tariff threats, while corporate earnings reports and inflation fears added to the volatility.
Read full articleDecember was a relatively tough month for financial markets, although it did end a strong performance year for risk assets. Both equities and bonds reversed during the month. This was amid a rethink of interest rates after the United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) exhibited a more cautious outlook for 2025 and some likely profit-taking after the strong run following Donald Trump’s election in November.
Read full articleGlobal equities returned to gains in November on the back of Donald Trump’s presidential victory and the Republicans securing a majority in both chambers of Congress. This drove market performance and saw the so-called ‘Trump Trade’ back in full swing.
Read full articleOverall, October proved to be a challenging month for financial markets. The month saw widespread declines in global equities and bonds, and a mixed bag of economic data that continued to influence investor sentiment. Growth risks remained the primary concern, despite signs of resilience in the United States (US) economy, with uncertainty further heightened by the upcoming US election and the potential implications of a policy shift on inflation and interest rates.
Read full articleFinancial markets started August off in a dramatic fashion, with equities selling off sharply and bond yields falling as investors shifted towards safe-haven assets. Corporate earnings drove the initial jitters, as the large United States (US) tech companies’ second-quarter results struggled to meet investors’ expectations.
Read full articleDespite a challenging start to the month, when United States (US) economic and labour market data (including the Purchasing Managers’ Index figures and Nonfarm Payrolls) broadly missed market consensus and brought recession fears back into focus, markets delivered a strong rally into quarter-end.
Read full articleIn the ever-evolving landscape of global economics, recent political and financial developments offer valuable insights into market dynamics and investment principles. In this economic commentary, we explore how leadership, market sentiment, and strategic decision-making shape economic outcomes.
Read full articleThe latest United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released in May, provides valuable insights into the current economic landscape and its implications for investors and financial advisors in South Africa (SA). Understanding these dynamics is crucial to making informed investment decisions in today’s global market.
Read full articleThe latest United States (US) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released in May, provides valuable insights into the current economic landscape and its implications for investors and financial advisors in South Africa (SA). Understanding these dynamics is crucial to making informed investment decisions in today’s global market.
Read full articleIs investing for you like going to war? Or struggling for survival in the wilderness? This misconception about investing often leads investor to prioritise beating the market in an effort to ‘win’ instead of adhering to their own goals and strategies. Consequently, we become our own worst enemy by listening to Mr Market. Mr. Market says “Buy!” when the markets are high and then shouts “Sell!” when there is a low.
Read full articleIn this week’s exploration of economic narratives, we look at the almost omnipresent influence of the United States (US) dollar: A currency that wields unparalleled sway over the international financial landscape. While the US accounts for a modest 15.5% of global gross domestic product (based on purchasing power parity), its currency forms the backbone of global reserves and dominates international transactions. The implications of this scenario are profound, both economically and geopolitically.
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