Markets
Happy May! We’re getting closer to the halfway mark of the year – and what a rollercoaster the first four months have been.
One thing we can say for sure: Trump certainly doesn’t shy away from controversy.
Closer to home, our local GNU government has also been under pressure with the VAT drama, and we’re starting to see cracks forming in the ANC-DA coalition. Let’s hope they can set aside their differences and focus on the greater good of the country.
| 1 week | 1 month | YTD | 1 year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA Equity (ALSI) | 1.8% | 4.3% | 11.4% | 25.7% |
| SA Bonds (ALBI) | 0.3% | 1.6% | 1.3% | 18.8% |
| SA Property (ALPI) | 3.0% | 9.0% | 4.7% | 31.5% |
| SA Cash (Avg Money Market) | 0.0% | 0.0% | 1.9% | 7.5% |
| Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in ZAR) | 1.0% | -0.2% | -1.2% | 11.9% |
| Global Markets (MSCI ACWI in USD) | 3.0% | 1.7% | 1.5% | 13.4% |
| USD/ZAR - R18.33*/USD *as at 5 May 2025 (negative number indicates appreciation of the rand) | -1.6% | -1.8% | -2.4% | -0.6% |
With Trump and all the tariff drama, we saw a major downswing in U.S. and international markets. However, since Monday (the 5th), the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have fully recovered to pre-tariff levels.
Locally, the JSE has performed surprisingly well, with the ALSI (All Share Index) up 11.4%. This has also significantly benefited retirement funds, which are required to invest the majority of their assets in local equities.
Did you know?
Did you know a simple income-splitting strategy with a non-working (or low-earning) spouse can reduce your family’s overall tax burden?
If your spouse doesn’t earn income, shifting taxable interest* or dividends (from a joint investment or their own TFSA) into their name can help utilise their R95,750 tax-free threshold – effectively lowering your combined tax liability.
*Taxable interest includes returns from money market funds, savings accounts, and even rental income.