The World Gold Council has unveiled a “Gold as a Service” initiative to advance digital gold adoption. By creating shared, standardised infrastructure, it aims to improve accessibility, interoperability, trust, and scalability, enabling gold to integrate more effectively into modern financial systems.

Escalating Middle East tensions are driving market volatility, with oil prices and inflation risks central to the outlook. While global and South African markets have reacted with caution, diversified portfolios and a long-term investment approach remain key to navigating uncertainty and capturing future opportunities.

South Africa’s increased offshore allowance simplifies moving capital abroad, but structuring remains critical. Offshore trusts offer estate planning, asset protection, and legacy benefits, though they require careful compliance and long-term strategy. Professional advice is essential to align global investments with financial goals.

Despite growing concerns, current data suggests AI has not significantly displaced jobs or driven the global hiring slowdown. Instead, weaker labour markets reflect broader economic factors, with limited evidence of productivity gains or widespread automation, making expectations of AI-led disinflation and rate cuts premature.

Morningstar research shows market volatility narrows investor focus, prompting short-term thinking and reactive decisions. Financial advisers play a critical role in restoring perspective, using behavioural coaching and structured communication to keep clients aligned with long-term goals and investment discipline during uncertain periods.

Oil prices remain elevated as the Iran war disrupts global supply, threatening South Africa with sharply higher fuel costs, rising inflation and slower growth. The crisis underscores the urgency of strengthening domestic resilience, boosting investment, and accelerating structural economic reforms.