My Money Matters | Online Trading FX

SA “Moody” over inflation and dollar strength

The rand strengthened overnight despite US inflation and expected US interest rate hikes.

Future US inflation is predicted to break the Feds 2% target, forcing the powers that be to increase interest rates
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Jobs data boosts the dollar

The dollar rebounded late Friday on news of higher-than-expected US jobs growth in February.

Hourly wages moderated, easing inflation fears and concerns that the US Fed would hike interest rates 4 times this year.
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Local economy showing positive signs

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,
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Forget the bark, Powell bites!

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.
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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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