Money Matters
January 2024
As we gear up for the eventful year ahead, the atmosphere is tense with anticipation and uncertainty. South Africa is on the brink of its most pivotal election since 1994, while the United States is set for a familiar face-off between Biden and Trump. In the U.S., it feels like ‘Groundhog Day’, with the contenders now four years older and additional international conflict thrown into the mix. The divisive legacy of former US President Donald Trump adds an extra layer of tension and economic importance. Brace for a media frenzy that will undoubtedly generate hype and noise as these pivotal events unfold.
Meanwhile, the electricity crisis persists, and our concerns are heightened with challenges in water supply exacerbating the situation. In this context, we present an article by JP Landman, sharing his valuable insights and feedback on electricity.
Remember, chaos can bring investment opportunities. We believe a diversified approach will serve our clients well in achieving their long-term objectives. Despite the turmoil, our advice to clients remains unwavering: stay true to your investment strategy and resist the sway of the information overload and attention-grabbing headlines.
2024 – Once again electricity
by JP Landman
Over the holiday period there were several important developments regarding the major issue facing the country, electricity.
By far the most important was the release of the long-term electricity plan, the Integrated Resource Plan 2023 or IRP 23. This is still a draft. After public comments, it will be gazetted to replace IRP 2019. Even as a draft, it is a wholly unsatisfactory document that lets the country down in a crucial area of development. We will discuss this below.
Goals, Resolutions and the Lack of Follow Through
By Marius Kilian
Every year we start with good intentions and New Year’s resolutions. However, research suggests that fewer than 25% of us follow through on these intentions. Weight loss is a common example – we intuitively know what to do but don’t do it.
The path to successful weight loss is uncomplicated: eliminate certain foods, establish a basic exercise routine, practice patience, and transform these actions into lifestyle habits. Failure isn’t typically due to a lack of knowledge but rather a lack of consistent behavioural alignment with this knowledge.
Similar challenges exist in the realm of long-term investing. If you have clarity on what’s important to you, you will be able to set feasible future goals. What you need to do to achieve long-term success is similarly also not complex.
