Blog Archives

March 2021 – Monthly Newsletter

An alternative to cash and money market investments

Over the past year, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut interest rates by 3%. Investments in call accounts, fixed deposits and money market accounts are currently yielding between 3 – 4.5% per annum.

The Marriott High Income Fund is a low-risk unit trust fund that has a primary objective of providing investors with a high-income yield as well as protecting investor’s capital over the term of the investment.

Marriott High Income Fund has a proven track record of providing investors with a predictable high level of income. Marriott High Income Fund has consistently provided inflation-beating returns whilst protecting investor’s capital.

  • Entry yield of 6.08%
  • Suitable for investors looking for an alternative to cash
  • No fixed term on the investment, funds readily realisable

The Fund is actively managed and due to its flexible mandate, we believe the portfolio will continue to deliver inflation-beating returns whilst protecting capital over a 24 month period. For more information or to discuss how to invest in the Marriott High Income Fund please contact Kevin or Greg on 041 373 0601.

we believe the portfolio will continue to deliver inflation-beating returns whilst protecting capital over a 24 month period. For more information or to discuss how to invest in the Marriott High Income Fund please contact Kevin or Greg on 041 373 0601.

Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) issues second crypto health warning for consumers

Last week the FSCA noted once again, the large number of investors who have reported financial losses from investing in Crypto assets. The FSCA again reminded consumers who wish to invest in any investment asset or product – specifically unregulated, risky ones such as cryptos – that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is! Consumer caution is strongly advised to avoid painful or catastrophic financial losses.  To read more of the FSCA’s warning please click on the link.  

February 2021 – Monthly Newsletter

The Budget 2021

Finance Minister, Mr. Tito Mboweni, on Wednesday, announced South Africa’s Budget for the fiscal year 2020/2021. The budget set against the backdrop of the fallout from the global pandemic highlighted once again the many challenges facing ordinary South African citizens.

What were the key changes in the Budget?

  • An above-inflation increase of 5% in the personal income tax brackets and rebates
  • Corporate income tax rates reduced to 27%
  • Excise duties on alcohol and tobacco increased by 8%
  • Increase of 4% for medical tax credits

To read more about the 2021 Budget please click on the link to read Allan Gray’s Budget Speech Update. Alternatively, you can listen to STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings as he unpacks the economic analysis of the Budget 2021.

Office re-opening

As from the 1st of March we will be re-opening our offices. We have adapted our offices to ensure that all necessary safety protocols are adhered to. Clients who would like to make an appointment or pop in for a coffee are more than welcome and we look forward to welcoming you back!

” The climb is tough, but the view from the top is worth it.” Vijay Mishra

January 2021 – Monthly Newsletter

Welcome to the New Year!

We trust that you and your families have had a blessed festive season and wish you all the very best for the year ahead. May 2021 bring you good health, peace and all the wonderful things that you wish yourselves! Above all else, we pray that you and your loved ones remain healthy in 2021.

We will re-open on Monday 11th January 2021. Whilst we would love to see all our friends and clients early in the New Year, it would not be prudent to meet each other face-to-face in view of the current upsurge in the Coronavirus. We do not wish to put our friends in any danger, so in the interests of the well-being of all our clients and staff, we plan to operate remotely and are happy to meet on Microsoft Teams or Zoom. The world is changing and as Kenneth Matos, PhD, the Vice President of research at Life Meets Work states: “The secret of crisis management is not good versus bad; it’s preventing the bad from getting worse!”

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2021. We plan to bring you topical investment news and market information monthly. We hope that you will find this newsletter informative and useful and that it will assist you in making informed investment planning and lifestyle decisions.

We would like to hear from you. If you would like us to discuss any particular investment topic, product or strategy please let us know and we will try to address the subject in a future newsletter.

Retirement Annuities

The financial year end is just around the corner.  You may wish to consider increasing your retirement annuity debit orders or making lump-sum contributions to your existing retirement annuities.

Retirement annuities are a great way to save for retirement and for reducing your annual tax payments.  Here are some of the benefits:

  • Contributions are tax-deductible within certain limits.
  • There is no income or capital gains tax applicable during the term of the investment.
  • Dividends tax does not apply to Retirement Annuities
  • Unclaimed or disallowed contributions may be deducted on retirement.
  • At retirement, the remaining value (minimum two-thirds) can be transferred to an annuity to provide a regular monthly income in retirement.

Please contact us early if you would like to add to your existing retirement annuities as there is always a logjam towards the end of February.

Tax-Free Savings are a great way of reducing tax!

Tax-free savings provide South African Investors with an excellent opportunity to save towards long term goals without having to pay tax on interest, dividends, and capital gains!

You may invest up to R36 000 per year in tax-free investments, with a lifetime maximum limit of R500 000. A word of caution! Investors should not exceed these limits as the South African Revenue Services will levy a penalty of 40% on any amount above the maximum amounts.

Tax-Free investments are a great way to save for your children’s education. If you have children or grandchildren, you can give your family the education they need. With a tax-free investment, you can help give your family the future they want. No interest tax, no dividends tax, no capital gains tax- and no exit penalties.

Please contact us early if you would like to add to your existing retirement annuities or invest in a tax-free investment as there is always a logjam towards the end of February.

We wish you all a healthy and happy New year! Stay safe and well!