As far as I understand, from various media reports, the Corona Virus has similar symptoms as flu but more aggressive and a vaccine is yet to be formulated. The media have done an incredible amount of damage by reporting in such a way that the panic stricken public and authorities are incredibly fearful, which has […]
New Investment World
We live in a new investment era where interest rates are very low, in some cases even negative. In spite of very low interest rates inflation remains low, and again, in some countries we have negative inflation, i.e. deflation. Assets are expensive and therefore their yields are low. Last month, we saw the Feds do […]
The CGT Question: To Sell or Not to Sell?
The markets are quite volatile and it may be advisable to redeem certain investments which have done well. We had one client who queried his Capital Gain of R240 000, even though his entire investment value was R272 000! How could that be? Well, in 2004 he invested R32 000 and nothing further since, so over […]
Money Talks
One of the big differentiators between us and animals is the ability to use money. Money allows us to specialise at doing something, for example, a doorman at a hotel, an actor, a politician, a policeman. You can do a particular job, get paid for it and with that money, pay for shelter, food, transport, […]
How Do Pensioners Protect Their Assets and Income in Troubled Times?
With so many unexpected events both here and abroad, life has become unpredictable of late. Some people are worried if we will see a stock market crash this year and although nobody I know has a genuine crystal ball, we can be sure that history does repeat itself, however, often with a twist. Sarasin’s of […]
Tax Free Savings
As you may have read in the press or heard on the radio, everyone is abuzz with the news that government has created a new savings scheme which will incentivise individuals through tax exemptions. It is supposed to encourage a savings culture in South Africa. Is it worth the hassle? It is a small scheme, […]
Stock Markets and Timing
Of late I have had some clients concerned that this year we will see a correction or a crash in the world stock markets. It is impossible to predict the future. History does repeat itself – but often with a twist. Sarasin of London, citing Robert Schiller and Bloomberg, presented the following: The duration of […]
Investing & Common Sense
The problem with common sense in the investment world is that it is not so common. Common sense tells us that one should buy low and sell high. However, we often see investors buy high and sell low. The main cause of this is too much emotion and no real financial planning to have faith […]
Financial Lifestyle Changes
In the past, life was more certain. In the old days pensions were a certain percentage of your final salary, based on the years of service. Careers were more certain, there was not so much chopping and changing as there is today. In the old days there weren’t the wonder drugs and medicines. So many […]