Insights

With high levels of poverty and unemployment, South Africa could not afford a lost decade, but it happened. Fortunately, the evidence suggests that we are finally leaving that period of stagnation behind us.

Bitcoin was supposed to have a good year, but the last few weeks have spoiled the party. The ongoing volatility underscores why it is not suitable for use as a currency, and is also a reminder to investors to think carefully about what role, if any, it should play in portfolios.

The SA Reserve Bank delivered an early Christmas present, cutting the repo rate by another 25 basis points. It was a unanimous decision based on an encouraging inflation outlook. Its American counterpart, the Fed, is in a much trickier position, however, and the decisions it makes over the coming months will affect us all.