Market Forces
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10 July 2024anemptytextllineJune arrived with surprises from an interest rate cutting perspective. The European Central Bank (ECB) became the second major central bank to cut rates after the Bank of Canada (BoC). The Swiss National Bank (SNB) cut rates for the second consecutive time in June while sentiment over monetary policy easing remains mixed among major economies.
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9 July 2024anemptytextllineAI enhances business operations and client interactions, ensuring more face-to-face time with clients and better service delivery. It’s crucial to integrate AI thoughtfully, addressing ethical, legal, and practical considerations while maintaining the essential human touch in financial advising.
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8 July 2024anemptytextllineIn SA, real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted marginally by 0.1% in Q1 2024, while the UK economy stalled in April due to wet weather. UK GDP was flat in April compared to the previous month, a slowdown from 0.4% in March.
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12 June 2024anemptytextllineIn SA, inflation moderated slightly from 5.3% y/y in March to 5.2% y/y in April, according to data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The primary contributors to the April headline inflation rate were housing and utilities, food, and transport.
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12 June 2024anemptytextllineUS inflation slowed in April and was outpaced by the national wage figure. Japan’s April inflation also slowed, consistent with the trend in other major economies. In SA, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law in May, hoping to make healthcare affordable for all citizens. South African elections took place in May, resulting in the ANC losing its majority.
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27 May 2024anemptytextllineElections are important market events for multiple reasons including economic policy shifts, potential legislative changes, and investor sentiment regarding the outcome and who the elected leader will be. However, as recurring as elections may be, some carry greater significance than others, which begs the question - is this time any different?