A year of “Elegant Chaos”

2012 is likely to be a year characterised by high technology, volatile asset prices and a positive economic undercurrent. In short, a year of “Elegant Chaos”. These were the takeaway themes from the first Finweek Outlook event for 2012 hosted in conjunction with consulting group Accenture. Guest speakers for the day included technology guru Simon Dingle, ETM Analytics Economist Russell Lamberti and Finweek Editor Marc Ashton.

How to improve your asset allocation results

Andrew Dittberner, Senior Investment Manager of Cannon Asset Managers, finds a way to improve asset allocation.

It is well known that asset allocation is one of the most important, yet hardest to perfect, aspects of portfolio management. In addition, poor asset allocation can lead to permanent capital destruction. Most asset allocation fails as it relies heavily on forecasting things about the future which by definition are very difficult to forecast.  A more sensible approach to asset allocation is valuation based – trying to work out if current asset prices are expensive or attractive.

Estate agents welcome budget news on property transfers

The increase of the transfer duty exemption for properties from R500,000 to R600,000 is welcome news, a property group chief executive said on Wednesday.

Online system to combat corruption in mining

The South African government has launched a pioneering online system to counter corruption and ensure transparency during the application and granting of mining rights, permits and prospecting licences.