My Money Matters

 

Local economy showing positive signs

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The rand is taking full advantage of the weaker dollar as it opens at 11.83/$ this morning.

Investors returned to buying emerging market currencies (as opposed to the USD) after Trump’s top economic advisor, Gary Cohn, announced his resignation yesterday. To add to dollar losses, North Korea have reportedly ended nuclear weapons testing for the time being (following positive talks with South Korea).

Local Q4 GDP figures released yesterday supported rand gains, as economic growth increased by 3.1% in the final quarter of 2017, with an overall growth of 1.3% for the year. Today’s highlights: The US Fed’s Beige Book and EUR Q4 GDP figures are released. Happy hump day!

Today’s Rate

USD/ZAR 11.8145
GBP/ZAR 16.4149
EUR/ZAR 14.6800
ZAR/JPY 8.9432
CNY/ZAR 1.8683
AUD/ZAR 9.2208
CHF/ZAR 12.6035
AED/ZAR 3.2170
SGD/ZAR 8.9792
NOK/ZAR 1.5161
EUR/USD 1.2422
GBP/USD 1.3888
GBP/EUR 1.1182

All rates quoted a
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Forget the bark, Powell bites!

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US Fed chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish (very positive) testimony yesterday has sent the greenback on a mini-rally.

The dollar gained more than 1% against the majors as Powell expressed optimism that the US economy remains strong. Indications are that rates will continue to be hiked gradually, resulting in speculation that could see four hikes this year (unless the Donald has anything to say about that) with an additional two in 2019.

On the calendar today, SA trade balance (14h00) and US GDP figures (15h00) will be the highlights.

Today’s Rate

USD/ZAR 11.7261
GBP/ZAR 16.2916
EUR/ZAR 14.3365
ZAR/JPY 9.1345
CNY/ZAR 1.8529
AUD/ZAR 9.1419
CHF/ZAR 12.4811
AED/ZAR 3.1926
SGD/ZAR 8.8502
NOK/ZAR 1.4882
EUR/USD 1.2235
GBP/USD 1.3908
GBP/EUR 1.1367

All rates quoted are the interbank rates at time of publishing and shown for indicative purposes only. It is important to note that foreign exchange rates fluctu
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No Zooooma Response…. No Confidence!!

Pressure mounts as there is still no outcome as to when President Zuma will be vacating the Union Buildings.

The ANC is expected to have a press conference by 2pm today on whether Zuma would be resigning…rather late than never. In addition, opposing parties are running out of patience and are pushing for a vote of “No Confidence”.
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It’s a great time to buy property

While the times are constantly changing and our personal circumstances keep evolving as a result, owning property might still be the ultimate goal for some – and a distant dream for others. Nonetheless, it’s something that we all think about at some point because owning a home is still seen as a mark of success. But as more people become economic migrants, moving around the country and globe, following personal and professional opportunities – does it still make sense?

We recently spoke to Absa property analyst, Jacques du Toit, about current trends in the South African property market, what the data is saying about capital growth and which factors to consider when deciding whether to buy or rent.

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Successful Davos trip signals time for hard choices and renewal

The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos attracts some of the most powerful and insightful actors in the world.

Presidents, ministers, captains of industry and foremost social and political influencers gathered in one of the coldest places I’ve been to, and providing their views on the meaning of this year’s theme, Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.

In theory the collective influence of the participants should be sufficient to move the needle on some of the world’s most pressing issues. This is due to the incisiveness of their insights, the institutional and legislative powers they have, the resources they command and the sheer force of personal influence.

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Can I buy a house on my budget?

Let’s be honest, we all know what it feels like to have a budget stretched to its limits. Who hasn’t wished for a little more to spend – especially when you’re thinking of buying a house? And, since this is a massive investment, you need to be realistic about what you can and can’t afford. The last thing you want to do is get yourself in a situation where you can’t keep up you’re your payments.

However, while others are worrying about getting their bodies summer ready, you can get started on your own lifestyle change that will whip your budget into shape.

So, to help you make one of the biggest financial decisions you could make, we’ve compiled this flowchart to guide you through this process:

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Steinhoff implosion staggers SA

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The collapse of Steinhoff International’s share price this week, following allegations of accounting fraud, is being described as the biggest corporate failure on the JSE so far, but it may just be the tip of the iceberg. On Thursday afternoon, Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba said he supported a decision by the Financial Services Board (FSB)..
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How you will pay for Zuma’s free education plan

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The government is considering drastic budget cuts to fund free higher education, including cutting social grants, freezing the roll-out of RDP houses and increasing taxes. With the country facing an unpre-cedented R50.8‑billion revenue hole, a treasury document has been put before President Jacob Zuma by the presidential fiscal committee, outlining possible areas where budgets could..
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UK to probe European banks linked to SA state capture

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A complaint about European banks who may be involved in the illicit financial flows of state capture in South Africa has been forwarded to two law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom, leaving these banks open to investigation and prosecution. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond forwarded a message about banks based in the..
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Surviving the emotional costs of living together

Cohabitation. A rather functional and uninspiring word for what is, essentially, an exciting time for any couple. Moving in together can certainly save you both money; after all, one household is cheaper than two. But what other implications will it have on your financial situation? Before we go any further, it’s important to discuss the..
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