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…
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When President Trump’s 30% tariffs on South African goods took effect on 1 August, many analysts braced for a market meltdown. Instead, the JSE All-Share Index hardly moved on the day and went on to climb from around 98 500 to 101 859 at the time of writing – a solid 3.5% gain during the…
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While President Trump’s unpredictable trade policies are continuing to create global market volatility, emerging market equities have attracted attention this year as investors embrace them as a welcome diversifier from the uncertainty and volatility of US-centric investments. The MSCI Emerging Market equity index is up almost 18% year-to-date, with foreign investors pouring money into India,…
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2025’s perfect storm began with President Trump exhibiting his trademark unpredictability, announcing sweeping tariffs that sent markets into a tailspin in April. When tariff fears peaked in April, the S&P 500 sold off as much as 17.8%, while the Nasdaq suffered an even steeper 23.4% decline from its highs. Oil futures fell to four-year lows…
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“The only certainty is that nothing is certain.” (Pliny the Elder) For decades, US Treasuries (government bonds) and the US dollar have been the world’s primary safe-haven assets. Investors have been able to rely on them to hold their value due to America’s status as the world’s leading democracy, with deep, liquid markets and a…
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January has been a volatile month for global and SA equities. Stock markets experienced a “Trump bump” after his inauguration on January 20, driven by expectations of market-friendly policies. However, equities retreated to end the month with modest gains as investors weighed tariff uncertainties, shifting interest rate expectations, and growing concerns about the sustainability of…
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2024’s rally sets a high bar to beat The S&P 500 last year experienced its best two-year stretch since 1998, surging 23% in 2024 alone and breaking above 6,000 points. However, momentum slowed considerably in the final quarter as Trump’s election victory and a more hawkish interest rate outlook introduced new uncertainties to the world…
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While initial enthusiasm surrounding Trump’s likely market-friendly economic policies drove the S&P 500 index above 6,000 points for the first time, investors are now carefully weighing the opportunities and risks ahead. South Africa’s JSE All Share Index fell behind, moving sideways during the month. Treasury pick calms some market nerves Markets generally welcomed Trump’s selection…
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Stock markets took a breather in the second half of October in anticipation of the US elections. The S&P 500 flattened out in the second half of October, leaving it less than 1% higher for the month, while the SA All Share Index gained 0.5%. Both markets have, however, notched up healthy double-digit gains for…
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It’s too close to call, so sit tight The race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is running neck and neck, with Harris seen as slightly ahead after being widely considered the winner of their September debate. A recent CNN poll found Harris leading by a percentage point, coming in at 48% versus Trump’s 47%.…
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