If you pay attention to dictionary definitions you’ll know that investing and gambling are almost polar opposites.

But this doesn’t mean there aren’t loads of so-called investors who behave far more like gamblers … Especially when it comes to the expectation of profit in the face of enormous risks.

This article explores the differences between investing and gambling. And then it examines the need to be aware of the similarities.  

An eye-catching statistic from the most recent Forbes 400 list, is that 5.5% of this group of the richest people in America are hedge fund managers. All of them are worth at least $2.9 billion.

Running a successful hedge fund is clearly incredibly lucrative. And that can only be because people are willing to pay a lot of money to these individuals to get the exciting returns that made them famous.

But should investing other people’s money really create celebrity billionaires? In this article, we look at the trend of investing becoming “sexy” and ask how much sense it makes.

As you know, the 29th of February marks the end of the tax year. 

One of the most critical aspects of financial planning is making the most of the breaks the taxman offers us. Tax efficiency significantly boosts the return on your investment portfolio in the long run.

Read on to find out how to make the most out of the tax breaks afforded by RAs and TFSAs.

The US and SA stock markets parted ways in January, with the US’s S&P500 Index pushing through to new record highs and SA’s All Share Index losing ground during the month. 

The growing gap in performance can be attributed in offshore investors feeling more positive about economic prospects than SA investors. The good news is that SA stocks are seen as offering great value whereas the US stock market is becoming even more expensive this year – and may be getting ahead of itself.

“Right now we have got a challenge because our growth levels are insufficient to be able to cope with higher levels of debt … I will have more on this in the February budget next month. I can tell you now, we are operating in a fairly constrained fiscal space so the message we are likely to put across in February is going to be a difficult one.” (Minister of Finance, January 2024)

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has invited the public to share suggestions on the 2024 Budget he is expected to deliver on Wednesday 21 February 2024. 

Go to National Treasury’s “Budget Tips for the Minister of Finance” page and fill out the online form.