SA’s growth story is not contained in conference rooms or policy papers. While these are a necessary beginning, action is at last materialising in the building of substations, solar plants, ports, and logistics corridors.
Sustained business confidence is fundamental for both the US and SA to lift economic growth to more exciting levels in the medium term. But while the policies of the current US administration are creating ongoing uncertainty for businesses, SA is taking tentative steps, in certain areas, to encourage private sector investment in the economy.
The South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, presented his fifth National Budget on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. While the global and domestic economic backdrop remains challenging, some of SA’s recent economic reform initiatives are gaining traction, resulting in apositive medium-term growth outlook.
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and Prudential Authority (PA) draft on material information technology (IT) and cyber event reporting has begun an important conversation. Beyond compliance, it highlights a growing area of risk: third-party providers. Financial institutions increasingly rely on cloud platforms, fintech partners, and outsourced services. A breach or disruption at one of these providers could ripple across the institution and, if the draft is finalised as proposed, may trigger regulatory reporting obligations.
Africa’s place inthe global investment landscape is again under scrutiny, not because conditions are calm and predictable, but precisely because they are not.
I agree with the sentiments expressed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum 2026 when he said that the world has entered a period of rupture rather than gradual transition. I submit that Africa cannot afford to remain passive as global capital is reshuffled.
Global growth remains resilient despite a trade war with the US and rising geopolitical conflict. Discover the forces shaping the 2026 outlook, risks, and opportunities for investors and policymakers.
South Africa’s corporates hold record levels of cash, a sign of strength but also of deep-seated caution. STANLIB chief economist Kevin Lings says low growth, infrastructure constraints and accountant-driven leadership have shaped a conservative corporate culture. Unlocking this capital, he notes, will require renewed confidence, stronger partnerships, and a shift from risk avoidance to opportunity-led investment.
SA has been removed from the FATF grey list, together with Nigeria, Mozambique and Burkina Faso. This should provide some uplift to investor and business confidence.
On Thursday, 31 July 2025 we hosted a webinar with Karen Ward, Chief Market Strategist for EMEA at our strategic offshore investment partner J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Kevin Lings, Chief Economist at STANLIB Asset Management. The webinar explored key insights from J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s 2025 Mid-Year Investment Outlook for building resilient portfolios in uncertain times.
In 2024 the world economy grew by an estimated 2.8%, in line with its long-term average, and at the beginning of this year was forecast to expand by 2.7% in 2025. Unfortunately, during the past six months the global economy has experienced substantial and sustained headwinds relating mainly to US trade policy uncertainty. Consequently, global growth has been revised down to 2.2% in 2025 with most economies, especially the US, decelerating relative to last year.
The South African Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, presented the third iteration of his fourth National Budget on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. This followed the withdrawal of the second attempt amid ongoing disagreement within the Government of National Unity (GNU) cabinet on the amended proposed increase of the VAT rate by one percentage point over two years.
After a year of hands-on experience with STANLIB Multi-Asset’s bespoke AI tool MAISY (Multi-Asset AI System), we’ve gained unique insights into both the pitfalls and potential of this transformative technology.
Following several years of volatility and uncertainty, 2023 promises to bring more challenges and opportunities.
Until monetary authorities provide clear guidance about future policy, volatility risks highlight the need for asset diversification in long-term investment portfolios.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in tragedy and a significant human toll. Global commodity prices have soared posing risks to the global economic recovery.
Fast-growing regions should in theory offer investors superior growth opportunities compared to developed markets.
STANLIB’s Multi-Strategy team explores the impact of the recent policy change implemented by the US Federal reserve
South Africa’s economic growth challenges may have been amplified in 2020 with the fiscus under severe strain. The strategic direction from the country’s political leadership remains focused on unlocking much needed growth and prosperity. Among the frequently discussed growth levers for government are improved fiscal discipline, prescribed assets and the presidency’s Infrastructure Fund. Which one of these options is more likely to deliver the growth SA needs?
What will define markets in 2019? This outlook breaks down the key economic and political forces at play, offering insight into how absolute return strategies can navigate a shifting global landscape.
