Global Markets

On 7 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified the root cause of an influenza-like outbreak in the city of Wuhan, China. Referred to as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the highly contagious disease spread rapidly despite quarantines of affected cities and travel restrictions. By 10 March 2020, COVID-19 moved through more than 110 countries, resulting in approximately 113,702 confirmed cases and 4,012 fatalities. The economic fallout from COVID-19 was…

Since 1788, every fourth year has brought an election for the Presidency of the United States. During such years, candidates from all walks of life dedicate their time, money and effort in an attempt to earn the highest American political office. While only a select few ever become the President of the United States (POTUS), the electoral process in itself is an institution. Presidential elections are often turning points in…

As soon as "leave" became the outcome of the 2016 U.K. Brexit Referendum, the future of trade between South Africa (SA), the United Kingdom (U.K.) and the European Union (EU) was thrown into flux. Upon the 31 December 2020 Brexit transition deadline passing, a new set of parameters will govern the multi-faceted commercial dynamic. South Africa's Trade Relations With The U.K. And EU South Africa's trade relationship with the EU…

Over the course of U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, reducing the U.S. foreign trade deficit became a priority of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Headed by Robert E. Lighthizer, the USTR spearheaded a campaign of commercial pressures upon numerous international trade partners during 2018 and 2019. China and the European Union (EU) were among the largest targets. Subsequently, the prolonged escalation of tariffs regularly brought the…

Backed by the robust nature of the U.S. economy, the U.S. dollar is the global reserve currency. The U.S. dollar (USD), or "greenback," is the most widely accepted currency in the world, as it accounts for more than 60% of all known foreign exchange reserves held by central banks. The euro is the next-largest global currency and it accounts for 20% of these reserves, making it a distant second to…

Headquartered at 1 Exchange Square in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is a premier destination for individuals seeking exposure to the African continent. Whether targeting derivative, debt, or equity products, investors frequently engage the JSE with the goal of capitalising upon the growth potential of broader Africa. Licensed and governed by the Financial Markets Act of 2012, the JSE provides an avenue by which corporations can raise…

On 30 October 2019, British Parliament approved a general election that was scheduled to take place 12 December 2019. This event could impact the pound's price because it could grant either the Labour or Conservative Party a majority, making it easier for the U.K. lawmakers to finalise Brexit with the European Union (EU). If Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative Party attains a majority in Parliament as a result of the…

Originally formed in 1887 during the first South African gold rush, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is the largest equities trading venue on the African continent. Ranked globally as a top 20 stock exchange, the JSE furnishes traders with a diverse array of equity products facing the commodity, banking and luxury goods sectors. The JSE is licensed for operation in adherence to the Financial Markets Act, No. 19 of 2012.…

Since Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. General Election of 2016, the sitting President of the United States (POTUS) has been a polarising and controversial figure. From alleged Russian collusion to unprecedented Twitter practices, constant criticism has been a central theme among political adversaries. While critique and open discourse are staples of U.S. politics, an actual removal from office or impeachment of a POTUS is rare. On 24 September 2019,…

What Are Tariffs? Tariffs are a tax or duty imposed on imported foreign goods. They're paid by the company importing the product, although the foreign company exporting the product may thereby find its products too expensive to sell in foreign markets depending on how high the tariffs are. The importing company paying the tariff may absorb the cost or pass it along to consumers, or a combination of the two.…