Thato Kola, ESG Analyst at Matrix Fund Managers, highlights key policy and institutional reforms shaping South Africa’s investment landscape, including the strengthening of carbon tax policy, proposed municipal coalition governance reforms, leadership succession at SARS, and evolving plans around Eskom’s unbundling and energy market structure.

Sim Tshabalala, CEO of Standard Bank Group, highlighted the bank’s strong 2025 performance, with headline earnings of R49.2 billion and ROE of 19.3%. Growth was driven by solid balance sheet expansion, strong fee and trading income, improved credit quality, and continued momentum across Africa.

David Rees, Global Head of Economics at Schroders, says rising geopolitical tensions and sustained energy price increases could reignite global inflation, potentially delaying interest rate cuts. A prolonged oil shock may squeeze real incomes, slow growth and increase the risk of a stagflationary environment.

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have pushed oil prices sharply higher, fuelling market volatility and raising concerns about global growth and inflation. This analysis explores the economic implications of the conflict and what the unfolding crisis could mean for investors.

With the rand strengthening, Wendy Myers explores what it means for investors. She explains how currency cycles influence the JSE Top 40 and why balanced local and offshore diversification remains key to long-term portfolio resilience.

Following South Africa’s 2026 Budget, Johan Minnie highlights how financial advice can strengthen household resilience. The discussion explores why financially capable households support fiscal sustainability, economic participation and a more stable long-term revenue base for the country.