JSE Launches online virtual trader

JOHANNESBURG, 1 August 2013. In a bid to grow public participation on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the JSE has launched an online trading simulator which will allow aspirant traders to test a range of JSE products, in a risk-free environment.

Residential supply constraints have become a key theme

In recent times, the gradual residential rental and home buying demand growth of recent years has started to catch up with slower supply growth of residential stock. The economy had a good period up until mid-2012, but since then has not been setting the world alight. But investment in new residential stock since 2008 has also been slow, thus constraining supply growth and allowing demand growth to catch up somewhat. Therefore, varying degrees of stock constraints in home buying and rental markets have become a key theme.

Liberty Holdings delivers an impressive first half performance

Strategy delivering growth and value

Salient features

• Operating earnings up 31% to R1 048 million
• Group asset management net cash inflows up 66% to R9 billion
• Long term insurance net cash flows up 81% to R2 billion
• Long-term indexed new business insurance sales up by 12% to R3 122  million
• BEE normalised headline earnings up 5% to R1 704 million
• BEE normalised headline earnings per share up by 6% to 602.7 cents
• BEE normalised group equity value per share increased 12% to R117,16
• Interim dividend per share increased 10% to 212 cents
• Liberty Group capital adequacy ratio (CAR) strong at 2,75 times the regulatory requirement

Saving for a home loan deposit can create long term wealth

Prospective home owners that save for a deposit are not only more likely to obtain a loan, but can also benefit from a better interest rate, which will save them considerable amounts over the term of their bond. 

Imperial Holdings Ltd and Cullinan Holdings Ltd are pleased to announce the sale of Imperial Holdings’ tourism division to Cullinan Holdings.

FNB pays R145 million in LOTTO and PowerBall winnings to customers

FNB customers who play LOTTO and PowerBall using the bank’s electronic channels have received R145 million in winnings since the inception of the service in July 2009.  FNB was the first bank to partner with Gidani to provide this service and currently accounts for 80% of the licensed National Lottery Operator’s virtual channels’ sales.

URGENT Announcement: Bloomberg Television back on DStv channel 411

MultiChoice announced today that it will reinstate Bloomberg as a 24-hour channel on DStv channel 411 from Monday 15 July.

Welcome Back Greece to the High-Potential World of Emerging Markets - Mark Mobius

In June, major international equity index provider MSCI confirmed Greece’s sojourn among the ranks of “developed markets” would end later this year as it will become the first-ever country to lose its “developed market” status in the MSCI universe. Interestingly, Greece was classified as emerging when I started with the Templeton Emerging Markets Group in 1987, and while the recent news might conjure up images of a significant turn for the worse for the country’s economic fortunes, MSCI’s explanation for Greece’s reclassification was actually more mundane.

FNB launches first scalable banking website in Africa

FNB announces that its online banking website has been extensively revised to offer an enhanced and more intuitive experience across mobile channels, from PCs to multiple smart devices - a first of its kind on the continent. The new website will be available to the public on Sunday 14 July 2013.

Executive remuneration is increasingly coming under scrutiny from shareholders, investors and other stakeholders, according to a report issued by PwC today. “New legislation, regulations and corporate governance principles are giving shareholders and institutional investors more say on executive pay,” says Gerald Seegers, Director for Human Resources Services at PwC Southern Africa.

Sun international in R3billion urban entertainment development planned for Tshwane

Sun International today announced plans to create a new R3-billion urban entertainment destination at Menlyn in Tshwane’s eastern suburbs.

Standard Bank's UCount Rewards attracts 78 800 customers in first month

Standard Bank’s new UCount Rewards programme has garnered over 78 800 members in its first month. This translates to some 2 600 new members a day, or 200 members an hour, registering to be a part of the exciting rewards programme.

Kooyman Top Fund Manager in the World for Fourth Year Running

Local star fund manager, Kokkie Kooyman, was last night named Investment Week’s Fund Manager of the Year in the financials category for the fourth year running. Kooyman, who is the head of Sanlam Investment Management (SIM) Global, received the prestigious award at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Moody's affirms African Bank's credit ratings, outlook changed to negative from stable

ABIL announces that Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s” or “the Agency”) has affirmed African Bank’s global senior debt and deposit ratings of Baa3/Prime-3 and local national scale issuer ratings of A2.za/P-1.za. The outlook for the ratings was changed to negative from stable.