Business Partners’ latest SME Confidence Index shows confidence among South African SMEs has weakened as rising fuel costs and global uncertainty drive businesses to prioritise resilience, cost management and operational efficiency over growth.

Following a research trip to China, PSG Asset Management argues that investors may be overlooking compelling opportunities as intense domestic competition, technological innovation and global expansion create a new generation of internationally competitive Chinese companies.

The World Gold Council’s Mid-Year Outlook 2026 says gold’s direction in the second half of the year will depend on geopolitical tensions, interest rates and investor sentiment, with strong long-term global demand expected to underpin the precious metal’s resilience.

Old Mutual Wealth’s Izak Odendaal explores how rising geopolitical uncertainty and populism are reshaping global markets, arguing that disciplined diversification, attractive valuations and managing investor behaviour remain essential for long-term investment success.

Morningstar’s Sean Neethling argues that successful investing depends on disciplined asset allocation, deliberate diversification and filtering out market noise, with robust portfolio construction and investor behaviour proving more important than reacting to every headline.

The Sanlam Umbrella Fund has appointed development economist Dr Nthabiseng Moleko as Sponsor-Appointed Trustee, strengthening the board’s governance, retirement fund expertise and commitment to delivering improved member outcomes.