The year that was – A recap
2024 has been a very interesting year with over half of the world going to the polls to vote for new leaders of their countries.
In South Africa we have a new GNU government and locally and internationally it boosted sentiment and markets rallied behind our local stocks with the JSE up roughly 14%.
We also saw the first interest rate cuts with an overall reduction of 0.5%.
Internationally the most notable was the election in America with Donald Trump winning and that has also ruffled some feathers, but overall the international markets and US markets rallied behind the news with the S&P 500 ending up roughly 27%.
Overall a very positive year locally and international and we can only hope 2025 is even better.
Some tips for the holidays
- Check your short-term insurance to make sure you know what is in place and also if travelling far make sure you know your roadside assistance details.
- Check your budget – know what you can afford and spend, do not enter January with elevated stress and blood pressure issues.
- Use your bonus wisely – Make sure you also do something worthwhile with your bonus like investing or saving or making a payment towards debt.
- Be vigilant – a lot of thieves take chances over the festive season, so make sure to check your surroundings and stay vigilant.
- Start a new positive habit – try exercising, reading or any new positive habit which you can carry into 2025, this will give you new energy for the year ahead.
Also VERY VERY important – you have 2 weeks left to change your medical aid option, so don’t forget to make the changes before end of December!!
Here are some of my latest podcasts which you can also listen to:
