The status of US Treasuries, the equivalent of our government bonds, and the US dollar as the world’s safe-haven assets is cracking under the weight of Trump’s unpredictable reign. 

This is forcing a fundamental reassessment of whether they can still be considered the world’s safest investments. Until we see where the chips fall, however, diversification is probably the best safe haven to ride out the Trump turmoil.

As the world’s most powerful economy, what happens in the US has a big impact on markets around the world. In fact, what happens in South Africa’s markets is often more about what’s going on in the US than what is appearing in local headlines.

In this article, we look at the three particular areas where the US has a real and meaningful impact on South African investors – the rand, South African bonds, and the local stock market.

Investment scams are becoming more intelligent, more sophisticated, and more convincing than ever. What once looked like a shady pamphlet on a corner, now appears as a high-gloss video hosted by a well-trusted public figure. 

The combination of deepfake technology, social media manipulation, and shady dealers plugging unregulated investments, is forcing South African investors to navigate an increasingly hazardous landscape.

As our population ages, there’s a steady increase in the number of older people developing dementia and other incapacitating mental conditions.

What can these people and their families do to make managing their finances easier? Your first thought will likely be the cheap and cheerful option of a power of attorney, but beware – it’s likely to fail just when it’s needed most.

We’ll have a look at what a power of attorney is, at why it is (unfortunately) not a “forever” solution, and at the alternatives available to you.