If Donald Trump completes his two terms as president, what will the political landscape look like in 7 years? In his first year alone he has caused loud, clumsy chaos, and more recently a potential trade war with China (which seems of his own accord since his cabinet continually tries to quash its potential). Will America be greater?
Dynasty Thought Leading Article:
Part 2: Why passive funds are becoming a popular choice for SA investors
In our previous article, Ryan Page outlined some of the risks and disadvantages of passive funds. This week we look at some of the advantages that make them popular among retail and institutional investors alike. Passive funds are an important part of a balanced investment portfolio and they have certainly benefited the industry by giving investors more choice.
Follow this link for the full article.
Global News
- The war of words has continued over the past week stoking the potential trade war between America and China. Trump unexpectedly retaliated against further tariffs suggested by China today, by targeting US$100bn worth of Chinese goods. This move threatens to unravel efforts by top US and Chinese Trade Officials to reach an agreement to quash the escalating conflict.
- Trump is sending troops to man the unwalled border between the US and Mexico.
Local news
- The High Court has ruled in favour of the Chamber of Mines that mining companies do not need to perpetually keep empowerment levels at 26%. If the Department of Mineral Resources does not appeal the judgement, this will be a step closer towards resolving some of the issues that have hindered policy certainty and investment in the sector.
- Ex-president Jacob Zuma has appealed against the decision to prosecute him and had his corruption court case postponed to 8 June 2018. News 24 has an article suggesting that this is only the beginning, sighting four other ways that Zuma could delay the courts.
- On Wednesday, Jeff Radebe South Africa’s Energy Minister, signed an R56bn contract, expected to add 2 300 MW of electricity to the national grid over the next five years, with 27 independent renewable energy power producers. As a consequence to perceived job losses, the National Union of Mineworkers has threatened to withdraw its support for the ANC.
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa referred allegations of mismanagement and graft at state power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, and rail and ports group Transnet SOC Ltd, to the Special Investigating Unit.
- The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined by 1.3 index points from 98.9 points in February to 97.6points in March. However the index remains 3.8 points higher compared to the BCI level of March last year.
