African businesses across various sectors face significant hurdles when attempting to engage in international trade, particularly with markets as complex and dynamic as China. From navigating intricate regulatory requirements and managing language barriers, to dealing with currency conversion challenges, the obstacles can seem overwhelming.

Bitcoin hit an all-time high above $75,000 this morning (6 November 2024), finally breaking through the longstanding peak of $73,700. The cryptocurrency is currently trading at ZAR 1,323,115 (at 12h48) on Luno. The rest of the crypto market has also surged.

Despite technology stocks dominating returns in 2023, the market has now broadened out and investors could be missing out on other, overlooked opportunities.

African Infrastructure Investment Managers (AIIM), a subsidiary of Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI), has completed the sale of its 12.67% indirect stake in the Bakwena Platinum Corridor Concession (BPCC) via its African Infrastructure Investment Fund 2 (AIIF2).

Curate, a new global fund manager launched in August 2024, continues to expand its offering with the introduction of three global equity funds for South African investors to diversify their portfolios globally.

Izak Odendaal, Investment Strategist at Old Mutual Wealth, discusses South Africa’s Medium Term Budget, highlighting fiscal challenges due to low growth and high interest rates. He contrasts South Africa’s fiscal discipline with the rising debt levels globally, especially in the US and China.