The end of 2023 is fast approaching and with it, a sigh of relief. It was another volatile year where politics and economics continuously toyed with our emotions. There was little peace amidst the turmoil we witnessed throughout the year, and it’s only natural that some of us are experiencing some level of fatigue.

In the latest update to Schroders’ forecasts, economists explain how the diverging fortunes of the world’s major economies will have important implications for policymaking and financial markets.

According to the latest medium-term budget, South Africa's debt-to-GDP ratio will rise to 77% over the next few years, up from the current figure of 72%.

When investors contemplate market crashes or bear markets, the narrative is typically around the precipitous fall in the stock market's value. However, this year has seen one of the worst bear markets in history, but instead of stock markets collapsing, it has been global bond markets.

Helen Jewell – Chief Investment Officer, BlackRock Fundamental Equities, EMEA&Stefan Gries - Head of European Equity, BlackRock Fundamental Equities focusing on the key takeaways from the recent earnings season and exploring how investors can find opportunities in an uncertain earnings environment.

One of the dominant narratives this time last year was that a US recession was highly likely during 2023, with consequent negative impacts on the global economy and financial markets. This view was driven by the rapid rise in inflation and aggressive hiking of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve.