OIG

We are thrilled to announce that the Optimum Investment Group has won a Performance Award in the category "Equity General - South African Equity" at the Citywire Discretionary Fund Manager of the Year Awards 2024! The award ceremony took place last night at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town, where our team's dedication and hard work were celebrated. This accolade is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier performance and results for our clients. A huge thank you to Citywire, our clients, partners, and the entire OIG team for their continued support! #OptimumInvestmentManagement #OIG #CitywireAwards #EquityGeneral #SouthAfricanEquity #InvestmentExcellence #DFM2024 #ProudMoments #AwardWinningTeam

In our latest Hot Topic, Francois Botha, CAIA, Chief investment Officer at OIG, looks beyond the US election and the broader range of factors impacted by global events. Follow the link for the full article: https://lnkd.in/dFQmRgtj The US elections are a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global economies and markets, and by extension, its impact on investors across the globe.

With South Africa's repo rate recently cut by 25 basis points to 8%, indebted consumers benefit from lower repayments, while savers and investors reliant on interest income face shrinking returns. In our latest Hot Topic, we unpack what the rate cut means for investors alongside the broader economic context. Follow the link to read the full update: https://lnkd.in/dTry_9vf

As we step into a new month, it's important to pause and reflect on Women’s Month. August provides a meaningful opportunity to consider the unique financial challenges women face and to explore how smart financial planning and investing can empower them to secure their financial futures. Follow the link to read Marilize Van Zyl's full article: https://lnkd.in/dpSRVVsa

𝐍𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭...  Curious about how the new Two-Pot System works and what it means for your investments? Our latest Hot Topic breaks it down, highlighting key implications and considerations for investors. Follow the link for the full update https://lnkd.in/dR2hC26V Cultivating healthy saving habits early on is key to securing a healthy financial future. Investors are encouraged to consider the long-term consequences of early withdrawals and the importance of preserving retirement savings. #TwoPotSystem #FinancialPlanning #InvestingTips #Retirement

Capitec Bank, Cashbuild, and NHFC's Zakhelikhaya project offers customizable homes for first-time buyers in Gauteng with incomes between R3,500 and R22,000. This initiative combines subsidies, financing, and construction support to boost homeownership and address housing shortages. Meanwhile, the Shoprite Group is leveraging renewable electricity wheeling at its Brackenfell headquarters, repurchasing excess power from Checkers Hyper Brackenfell through Enpower Trading. This effort reduces reliance on the national grid and supports Shoprite’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. In contrast, TotalEnergies has halted its Brulpadda and Luiperd gas projects off South Africa due to high costs and challenges, impacting the country’s gas-to-coal plans. The company will also exit a nearby oil block but continues operations in Namibia. https://lnkd.in/daWqGnfG

According to data released by Statistics S.A. this week, the latest inflation rate - as measured by the consumer price index (CPI) - has declined marginally to 5.1% in June (from 5.2% in May). Follow the link to read Dr Roelof Botha's full To The Point update: https://lnkd.in/dfFmeC9b

President Joe Biden announced he will not seek re-election in 2024 and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. On the S.A. front, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the Pension Funds Amendment Bill, initiating the two-pot retirement system. Read more about the events that shaped last week: https://lnkd.in/dwByDzgF

In this week’s To the Point update, Dr Roelof Botha writes about South Africa's 10-year bond yield decline (of more than 140 basis points). Should the declining trend in the long-term bond yield continue, it would serve as a sign that the repo rate and commercial lending rates are falling significantly behind the curve. Follow the link for the full update: https://lnkd.in/eqiP5n-m

Pick ‘n Pay has awarded CEO Sean Summers four million shares, contingent on achieving leadership, succession, and financial targets. Positive sentiment grows as the new GNU addresses corruption and operational inefficiencies. Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, global markets have reacted with increased volatility and a shift towards safe-haven assets. Read more about the events that shaped last week and the key economic data expected to be released this week: https://lnkd.in/dxrbheDg