
MoneywebNOW
Moneyweb brings you the latest in business and financial news in our new morning podcast: MoneywebNOW with Simon Brown. The show will offer the latest in business, trading and company news to best prepare listeners for the day ahead. It will be live-streamed via the Moneyweb website and mobile app between 06:30 and 06:50.
Episodes

Virgin Active listing: Could it finally happen?
Chantal Marx from FNB Wealth & Investment unpacks the Merafe results and what the Nersa decision means for the micro cap, plus what’s next for Brait after its R2.5bn rights issue – could a Virgin Active listing be on the cards? Jeremy Sampson from Brand Finance discusses their Mining, Metals & Minerals Top 50 2026 report, noting that zero local miners made the cut. And Sachin Chanderdhev from Absa
![[TOP STORY] Chasing hot ETFs could burn your portfolio](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Chasing hot ETFs could burn your portfolio
'If you are invested in emerging markets right now, we're not saying sell your position' – Duma Mxenge from Satrix.

Weak US jobs good for markets and gold
Dylan Bradfield from Sharenet unpacks Friday’s US jobs data and the latest Spur update, where adjusted Heps remains positive. Maarten Ackerman, chief economist at CAM Asset Management, looks at the long-term economic impact of the war in Iran. And Duma Mxenge from Satrix explains why chasing famous names is likely to hurt long-term returns.
![[TOP STORY] Food giants and discount stores adapt to a weaker consumer](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Food giants and discount stores adapt to a weaker consumer
Dhersan Chetty, equity analyst at Foord Asset Management, breaks down consumer confidence, discount strategies and private label growth among major retailers.

From asset light to asset heavy: The hyperscaler pivot
Matete Thulare from Investec unpacks Sappi's strong results and the slightly improved trading update from Pick n Pay. Dhersan Chetty, from Foord Asset Management, looks at how SA's increasingly thrifty shopper is reshaping the retail landscape. Simon shares his thoughts on why hyperscalers are shifting from asset-light balance sheets to far more asset-heavy business models.
![[TOP STORY] Unlocking economic puzzles with academic insight](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Unlocking economic puzzles with academic insight
Prof Reza Daniels of Stellenbosch University explains how good data and careful analysis are South Africa’s best tools against economic uncertainty.

Why AI needs platinum
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT on precious metal miners as PGMs surged and gold followed, plus updates from Super Group and Sabvest. Professor Reza Daniels from Stellenbosch University on how to know when economic data is reliable. Marc Dhalluin, CEO and co-founder of TruthsetsOnline, on online ad fraud and why up to half of digital ads may never be seen by a human.
![[TOP STORY] Navigating the US-China AI technology split](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Navigating the US-China AI technology split
'The risk that is emerging is a sort of geopolitical risk where access to your competitive advantage through AI could be cut off' – Dawie Scholtz, managing director and partner at Boston Consulting Group, BCG.

Exclude Ecobank and Nedbank's underlying business looks strong
Zimele Mbanjwa from FNB Wealth & Investments unpacks Nedbank's seemingly flat results – and why removing the impact of the Ecobank stake disposal reveals a much stronger underlying performance. Dawie Scholtz from Boston Consulting Group discusses SA's critical AI crossroads as it weighs US versus Chinese technology. Duncan Armitage from Anchor shares practical investing lessons for 25-year-olds lo
![[TOP STORY] July 2026 Absa PMI shows manufacturing employment stall despite upticks](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] July 2026 Absa PMI shows manufacturing employment stall despite upticks
‘This release is quite interesting. Its decline this time around hides more positive things than it reveals’ – Absa economist Sello Seleke.

US earnings are spectacular so far
Gary Booysen from Rand Swiss unpacks the US earnings season, with around two-thirds of the S&P 500 having reported – what's stood out, for better or worse? Sello Sekele from Absa CIB breaks down the latest July PMI data and explains why weaker readings may not be entirely bad news. Plus, Francis Marais of Old Mutual Wealth shares how to get offshore diversification right and avoid the common pitfa
![[TOP STORY] How SMEs are reshaping our construction industry](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] How SMEs are reshaping our construction industry
Thethe Mokele from Pinsent Masons explores the decline of SA’s construction sector and the rise of SMEs through joint ventures and government support.

When is the right time to buy gold miners?
Petri Redelinghuys from Herenya Capital Advisors unpacks AngloGold Ashanti's results and asks whether gold miners are still worth holding. Thethe Mokele of Pinsent Masons explores the key shifts reshaping South Africa's construction industry, while Shaun Meintjes from Consult by Momentum shares practical insights on preparing your children to inherit your wealth.
![[TOP STORY] Foreign trusts are becoming accessible to everyday offshore investors](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Foreign trusts are becoming accessible to everyday offshore investors
‘I think it's vital that people understand that once you've given the funds to the trust, they now belong to the trustees to look after for the benefit of the beneficiaries’: Elana Nel, fiduciary specialist at Ninety One.

Is Mondi a buying opportunity at the bottom of the cycle?
Josh Viljoen from Merchant West Investments unpacks Mondi's tough results – and why the market still liked what it saw – before turning to Woolies's trading update, which points to a challenging second half. Elana Nel from Ninety One explains whether a foreign trust has a place in your estate plan and the key considerations before making that decision. Simon shares his thoughts on why deflation is
![[TOP STORY] Fresh insights into SA's R109bn liquor retail market](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Fresh insights into SA's R109bn liquor retail market
Andrea Slabber from Trade Intelligence considers the steep rise in online gambling a big factor curbing growth over the past year.

Valterra proves best-in-class among PGM miners
Dylan Bradfield from Sharenet, unpacks Valterra's very strong results despite softer PGM prices over the period, and shares his quick take on the latest FOMC decision. Andrea Slabber from Trade Intelligence joins us with fresh insights into SA's R109 billion liquor retail market. Kasief Isaacs, CEO of Creation Capital, discusses the firm's newly launched R3 billion hybrid debt fund and its aim to
![[TOP STORY] Where to position your portfolio to catch the trend?](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Where to position your portfolio to catch the trend?
Sean Kelly of Parity Wealth explores why the ‘Mag Seven’ isn't the only game in town anymore.

Boxer growth story still has room to run
Chantal Marx from FNB Wealth and Investments unpacks Boxer’s latest update as food deflation persists, and explains why the market gave Canal+ results such a warm reception. Sean Kelly from Parity Wealth joins us to discuss growing global fragmentation, what it really means for investors, and how portfolios should adapt. Jason Green from Fedgroup rounds out the show with a look at SA’s private cre
![[TOP STORY] Tech bubbles, AI, and emerging markets](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Tech bubbles, AI, and emerging markets
‘We actually need periods where the market loses its sensibilities and relaxes its typical risk tolerance, spurring the development of technologies that propel society forward’ - Nico Katzke, head of portfolio solutions, Satrix.

Vodacom cuts dividend payout ratio
Danie Dörfling from Moore Infinity unpacks Vodacom's latest update, including the dividend payout ratio cut, and asks whether telcos still deserve a place in an investment portfolio. PayInc CEO Stephen Linnell joins us to discuss the evolution of payments as consumers increasingly shift to apps and digital wallets. Plus, Satrix's Nico Katzke explores asset bubbles, the mistakes investors repeatedl
![[TOP STORY] Investing in a world gone tech-crazy](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Investing in a world gone tech-crazy
'It's a bit of a wild time, but it's certainly very exciting to figure out what to do' – Jacques Conradie, CEO of Peregrine Capital.

Alphabet’s growth machine keeps delivering
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT unpacks Alphabet’s latest results, with capex now approaching $200 billion, and what they mean alongside Intel’s numbers. Peregrine Capital CEO Jacques Conradie joins us to discuss technological advancements and the biggest macro risks facing the local market. Plus, Thomas Berry from PSG Wealth shares how to make the most of tax allowances to help grow your wealth.
![[TOP STORY] Smart strategy brings Cementation Africa back from the brink](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Smart strategy brings Cementation Africa back from the brink
Mark Salmon from Differential Capital explains the firm's acquisition of Cementation Africa from Murray & Roberts's business rescue, how the deal was structured, and whether a future listing is on the cards.

Anglo American update highlights the quality of the business
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT unpacks Mr Price's latest trading update, alongside production updates from Anglo American and Kumba. Mark Salmon from Differential Capital explains the firm's acquisition of Cementation Africa from Murray & Roberts's business rescue, how the deal was structured, and whether a future listing is on the cards. Simon also shares his take on two major AI breakthroughs from th
![[TOP STORY] New cryptocurrency exchange to turn vineyards into investment opportunities](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] New cryptocurrency exchange to turn vineyards into investment opportunities
'A great example we're working on is the tokenisation of a vineyard near Stellenbosch in the Western Cape’ – Bitexen CEO Mark Diuga.

Pepkor vs Mr Price: Why Pepkor is winning the investment case
Faheema Adia from Momentum unpacks Pepkor's deal to combine Flash and Shop2Shop, creating a R20 billion revenue business. Maahir Jakoet of the Old Mutual Global Islamic Equity Fund explains Shari’ah investing and why it can be an effective low-volatility strategy for a wide range of investors. Plus, Mark Diuga, CEO of Bitexen South Africa, joins us to discuss digital ownership and why the tokenisa
![[TOP STORY] Inflation expectations, fiscal strength, and the MPC’s dilemma](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Inflation expectations, fiscal strength, and the MPC’s dilemma
‘I think we're looking at an environment where rates can perhaps stay higher for longer’ – Tertia Jacobs, Treasury Economist and Fixed Income Specialist, Investec.

Sasol's strong update underpins recovery
Zimele Mbanjwa from FNB Wealth & Investments unpacks Sasol's business performance metrics. Or has the investment case become all about oil prices and geopolitical conflict? Benay Sager from DebtBusters discusses the latest 2026 Money Stress Tracker and what it reveals about the financial pressure facing South Africans. Tertia Jacobs from Investec looks ahead to this week's key macro events: Wednes
![[TOP STORY] Planning now for 40 years of life beyond work](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Planning now for 40 years of life beyond work
‘What we're seeing now is that for the under- and over-60s side hustles are becoming the new normal’, notes Renee Coughlan from FNB Wealth and Investments.

Are coal miners worth a look?
Independent analyst Jimmy Moyaha unpacks Thungela – one of his picks in the Moneyweb Investor Challenge. It's been a wild ride for the coal miner, but does it still deserve a place in investors' portfolios? Therese Grobler from Momentum Financial Planning explains why inconsistency is one of the biggest threats to long-term investing success. Renee Coughlan from FNB Wealth and Investments discusse
![[TOP STORY] AI Wave: CapEx could rewrite market rules](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] AI Wave: CapEx could rewrite market rules
‘Monetary policy for us is one of the bigger risks that we see at the moment’ – Warren Buhai, senior portfolio manager at STANLIB Asset Management.

How Netflix is using AI to save cash
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks the sharp selloff in tech, with the Nasdaq now down more than 8%, while US bank earnings continue to impress. Warren Buhai from STANLIB Asset Management asks whether AI remains a compelling investment opportunity or if it's becoming a growing source of risk. Keith McLachlan of Element Investment Managers weighs in on Netflix's results, the decision to
![[TOP STORY] OUTsurance, Shoprite, and the art of flying high in global markets](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] OUTsurance, Shoprite, and the art of flying high in global markets
In expounding on Akamatsu’s 'flying geese' theory, First Avenue Investment Management’s Hlelo Giyose highlights domestic champions who solidify their home base and then take their businesses overseas.

BHP Group enjoying surging copper price
Alyssa Viljoen, MD of Merchant West Investments, unpacks BHP Group's latest update. With copper and iron ore driving the story, is BHP now a stronger investment case than Anglo American? Hlelo Giyose, CIO at First Avenue Investment Management, explains his "flying geese" theory and why emerging market domestic champions are increasingly taking their businesses beyond their home borders. Simon shar
![[TOP STORY] Flat consumption to fiscal fixes: What’s next for SA households?](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Flat consumption to fiscal fixes: What’s next for SA households?
Ricardo Smith from Absa Investments weighs up consumer pressures, inflation and what to expect.
![[TOP STORY] Competition Commission looks into franchising in SA and beyond](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Competition Commission looks into franchising in SA and beyond
'They're not there to incriminate everyone or try to restructure the market. They want to understand the market. They want to see how it operates' – Mark Thomas. Pinsent Masons.

Lower US inflation good news for markets
Chantal Marx from FNB Wealth and Investments unpacks whether there's still value in Bytes after the tech stock has surged more than 50% since April. We also discuss softer-than-expected US inflation and why it's good news for markets. Mark Thomas from Pinsent Masons examines the Competition Commission's investigation into SA's franchising sector, while Harry Scherzer, CEO of Future Forex, explains
![[TOP STORY] AI meets investing: Purple Group’s bold leap](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] AI meets investing: Purple Group’s bold leap
CEO Charles Savage shares the group’s integration of Telescope AI to deliver smarter, AI-driven investment solutions.

Oil higher for longer as Iran peace falters … again
Kea Nonyana from Prime XBT unpacks De Beers’s decision to shut its South African mine and what TSMC’s 36% revenue surge says about the strength of ongoing AI-driven chip demand. Charles Savage, CEO of Purple Group, explains the rationale behind the group's $10.75 million acquisition of Telescope AI and what it means for the business. Professor Adré Schreuder from UP discusses the latest Customer E
![[TOP STORY] The many faces of SA stokvels](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] The many faces of SA stokvels
JustMoney’s Sarah Nicholson explains the prevalence and operations of these group saving schemes , which range from informal cash holdings to formal banking and investment-type options.

US earnings season begins with high expectations
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth asks whether there's any value left in battered paper stocks Sappi and Mondi, and what ongoing geopolitical tensions mean for the oil price. Harris Gorre from Grovepoint Investment Management unpacks the booming private credit market and whether Jamie Dimon's "cockroaches" warning is starting to emerge. Sarah Nicholson from JustMoney shares practical tips on h
![[TOP STORY] Coface Economic Risk Review: Downgrades sweep across the globe](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Coface Economic Risk Review: Downgrades sweep across the globe
'South Africa's economy has been resilient to shocks, but the resilience is also part of why it stagnates' – Aroni Chaudhuri, chief Africa economist at Coface

China needs an AI boost to attract investors
China is lagging its global peers more than at any point in 25 years. PSG Old Oak’s Schalk Louw explains why. Coface’s Aroni Chaudhuri on the global outlook, the Iran conflict, and what it means for local GDP growth and inflation. Simon asks: Are Meta and xAI selling data centre capacity a warning sign for the AI buildout?
![[TOP STORY] What’s driving the surge in short selling on the JSE?](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] What’s driving the surge in short selling on the JSE?
‘Spar is the clearest example of where market concerns are actually firmly grounded in observable fundamentals': AG Capital’s Casey Sprake.

Sun International: A bargain in plain sight?
Tourism continues to recover, but where's the investment opportunity? Faheema Adia from Momentum unpacks the latest tourism data, the outlook for local leisure stocks, and what Hyprop's accelerated bookbuild means for investors. Short sellers have been increasing their bets against South African retailers. Casey Sprake from AG Capital explains what's driving those positions, what they're signallin
![[TOP STORY] Ignoring tech issues costs financial services industry millions every year](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Ignoring tech issues costs financial services industry millions every year
‘We found that technology friction is effectively a hidden productivity tax that never really shows up on any dashboard' – Altron Digital Business MD Craig Stewart.

Beyond big tech: Where the opportunities are now
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT asks whether there’s still an energy trade in a world awash with oil, and shares where he’s finding value in the US beyond the tech giants. Craig Stewart from Altron Digital Business unpacks the employee experience of workplace technology, and why there’s often a gap between the tools staff need and what they actually have. Dr Wiehann Olivier from Forvis Mazars explains S
![[TOP STORY] Inside South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnarounds](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Inside South Africa’s most remarkable corporate turnarounds
'If you leave the process too late, there's going to be nothing left to rescue' – Eric Levenstein, director and head of the Insolvency and Business Rescue Department at Werksmans Attorneys.

Clicks at decade-low valuation: Buy or beware?
Independent analyst Jimmy Moyaha unpacks Clicks, now trading on a PE roughly half its decade-long average. Is this a rare value opportunity, or are investors witnessing a changing of the guard? Eric Levenstein of Werksmans Attorneys discusses the business rescues of Murray & Roberts and Group Five, and what their success says about South Africa’s rescue framework. Frank Knight, CEO of Debtsource,
![[TOP STORY] SA Reits have outperformed equities and bonds year to date](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] SA Reits have outperformed equities and bonds year to date
Ian Anderson of Merchant West Investments discusses the sector’s 4.2% return in June alone, Delta Property Fund’s 50% surge and Hyprop and Vukile expanding in Europe.

Investing in Japan: The good and the bad
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks Hudaco's results in a tough trading environment and whether Japan's weak yen, rising yields and stronger markets are creating opportunity. Ian Anderson from Merchant West Investments reviews first-half Reit performance and the appeal of Italian property deals. Chris Fraenkel, Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings, discusses the saving habits of Gen
![[TOP STORY] Gold, US politics and oil shocks: Decoding the gold market’s next moves](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Gold, US politics and oil shocks: Decoding the gold market’s next moves
'I would really point all of your listeners to our recent central bank survey; it's a master class in being able to see what everybody's thinking’ – Taylor Burnette, World Gold Council.

Could we see US$-priced ETFs on the JSE?
Reko Nare from Anchor unpacks the growth of AMETFs in SA and globally, what's driving adoption, and where they add the most value. Taylor Burnette from the World Gold Council discusses the Gold Mid-Year Outlook 2026 and what lies ahead for the gold price this year. Simon weighs in on OpenAI's reported proposal to give the US government a 5% stake ahead of its anticipated IPO.
![[TOP STORY] From station wagons to SUVs: Retirement portfolios for a new era](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] From station wagons to SUVs: Retirement portfolios for a new era
David Crosoer from PPS Investments reflects on how post-retirement investing is perhaps forcing a rethink.

Why Bitcoin is struggling without institutional support
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT unpacks South32's $5.6 billion sale of its Richards Bay aluminium smelter to Alcoa, before looking back at the first half of the year, with the JSE and gold under pressure while US equities, South Korea and oil emerged as the standout winners. David Crosoer from PPS Investments explains why he's rethinking the traditional equity-heavy portfolio. John Taylor from Liberty d
![[TOP STORY] Staying ahead when the market plays by new rules](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Staying ahead when the market plays by new rules
‘Instead of trying to be particularly right on something, I think it's more important to prepare for those different potential outcomes' – Sean Neethling, Head of Investments at Morningstar.

Warsh’s first FOMC: What it signals for the road ahead
Zimele Mbanjwa from FNB Wealth & Investments unpacks Absa's trading update. The stock looks cheap, but the market clearly didn't like what it saw. Ruen Naidu from Ninety One discusses what a new Fed chair with a hawkish stance and a structural reform agenda could mean for markets. Sean Neethling from Morningstar explains why investment success is less about making perfect forecasts and more about
![[TOP STORY] Benchmarks demystified: From market indices to personal portfolio goals](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Benchmarks demystified: From market indices to personal portfolio goals
‘One of the biggest risks in choosing benchmarks is that you don't match what you actually want as an objective’ – Satrix Quantitative Portfolio Manager Siyabulela Nomoyi.

Prosus strategy for Tencent working
Independent analyst Jimmy Moyaha unpacks the Naspers and Prosus results as Takealot delivers an adjusted Ebitda profit – but is the story still all about Tencent? Invicta CEO Steven Joffe joins us to discuss results showing 50% of revenue now comes from offshore operations as tough local trading conditions persist. Plus, Satrix’s Siyabulela Nomoyi explains why choosing the right benchmark is one o
![[TOP STORY] Turning university research into real, impactful businesses right here in SA](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Turning university research into real, impactful businesses right here in SA
The best opportunities which we fund are when there's cross-collaboration between faculties – and that's when you really get something unique. Wayne Stocks, Stocks & Strauss.

SpaceX enters Nasdaq 100 today
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks this week’s fuel price cuts and why South African consumers still have little reason to celebrate. We also discuss South Korea’s market volatility despite surging global chip demand. Horacia Naidoo-McCarthy from Allan Gray explains how uncertainty often drives poor investor behaviour – and how to avoid the common traps. Wayne Stocks of Stocks & Strauss
![[TOP STORY] The plight of so many entering retirement today financially unprepared](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] The plight of so many entering retirement today financially unprepared
‘I think employers can play a very meaningful role in assisting and supporting [their] people’ – John Anderson from Sanlam Corporate Investments.

Bye bye Mag 7 ... Mangos are driving markets now
Schalk Louw from PSG Old Oak unpacks Hyprop's strong update and why value stocks and emerging markets are outperforming this year, while the Mag 7 trade near their lowest valuations for 2026. Sanlam Corporate's John Anderson discusses the findings of the 45th Sanlam Benchmark Survey, exploring how South Africans are saving and making retirement decisions. Plus, Simon shares his thoughts on true lo
![[TOP STORY] Real take-home pay at a two-year low](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Real take-home pay at a two-year low
‘I think we're going to see more of that sort of luxury spending still under pressure in the second half of the year and more of a focus on the essential spending’ – Independent economist Elize Kruger.

Gold struggling under higher rates
Kea Nonyana from PrimeXBT unpacks the latest updates from Growthpoint and Nedbank, and what they mean for investors. Vunani CEO Ethan Dube joins us to discuss the group’s return to profitability and its decision to pay out most of Heps as a dividend. Economist Elize Kruger weighs in on the latest PayInc data, which shows real take-home pay has fallen to a two-year low, adding further pressure to c
![[TOP STORY] How US-China rivalry, Taiwan and rare earths shape global investment risks](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] How US-China rivalry, Taiwan and rare earths shape global investment risks
'I think we go into an environment where a lot of your traditional safe-haven assets aren't really showing up as providing their protection anymore' – OMIG portfolio manager Jason Swartz.

Junior mining: Critical, yet challenging
Chantal Marx FNB Wealth & Investment on ASP Isotopes as they announce Renergen has a first contract fo the supply of helium.
Jason Swartz, Portfolio Manager, Old Mutual Investment Group on the Thucydides Trap and what Xi Jinping meant at teh recent US China summit.
John Loos independent Economist on the SARB Composite Leading Business Cycle Indicator falling in April.
![[TOP STORY] SA construction sector shows some promise](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] SA construction sector shows some promise
Economist Dr Roelof Botha reflects on Alan Greenspan’s legacy, Gill Marcus’s MPC tenure, and highlights of the Q1 2026 Afrimat Construction Index.

Standard Bank’s Africa strategy is paying off
Alyssa Viljoen, MD at Merchant West Investments, unpacks Standard Bank’s five-month update and asks whether SA’s banks still offer value – and which names stand out. Bianca Botes from Citadel Global discusses why every board needs a clear FX policy and how companies should approach currency risk. Plus, economist Dr Roelof Botha reflects on the Q1 2026 Afrimat Construction Index and the passing of
![[TOP STORY] What no one tells you about retirement expenses](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] What no one tells you about retirement expenses
'Fees are the silent killer of wealth; they're also the most underestimated variable in the whole retirement planning process' – Andre Tuck, 10x Investments.

Selloff puts gold back in the spotlight
Nick Kunze from Sanlam Private Wealth unpacks the latest Naspers and Prosus trading update after both shares have come under pressure, and considers whether gold still offers opportunity as the metal struggles to gain momentum. Andre Tuck from 10X Investments discusses the most common retirement planning mistakes and how investors can avoid costly missteps. Anthony Miller, CEO of Simply Financial
![[TOP STORY] Money habits make or break your financial future](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Money habits make or break your financial future
Dr Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc, discusses the 2026 Wealth Index Report and why women consistently tend to be better investors.

The Fed's rate policy effect on the rand
Matete Thulare from Investec unpacks why a hawkish Fed FOMC left the rand weaker and whether the local currency can still break below R16/$ again. Dr Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc, discusses the Wealth Index Report 2026 and why women consistently tend to be better investors. Plus, Simon weighs in on SpaceX's fast-tracked inclusion in global indices – and what that means for the ETFs tra
![[TOP STORY] How AI and semiconductors are reshaping the market](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] How AI and semiconductors are reshaping the market
‘Stocks start to outperform consistently in a new sector or subsector, so the leaders will show their hand. I think that's the key and we've got to be on the lookout for them’ – Sean Ashton, Private Clients by Old Mutual.

Why cash retailers are worth a look
Petri Redelinghuys of Herenya Capital Advisors asks whether consumer stocks are worth a look as fuel prices trend lower and the rate-hiking cycle appears to be over. Kobus Gertenbach, CEO of Premier Group, unpacks strong full-year results, new production capacity and how lower input costs are supporting margins. Sean Ashton from Private Clients by Old Mutual explains why earnings matter more than
![[TOP STORY] The struggle to get SA meat exported](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] The struggle to get SA meat exported
'There's no communication between national and the provinces, so everything just sits' – Paul Matthew, CEO, Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of Southern Africa.

Iranian peace: Now what for our investments?
Considering the US-Iran peace deal, Zimele Mbanjwa from FNB Wealth & Investments unpacks which sectors and stocks could stand to benefit as lower oil prices, easing inflation pressures and improving market sentiment reshape the investment landscape. Paul Matthew, CEO of the Association of Meat Importers and Exporters of Southern Africa, discusses the opportunities and hurdles facing local exporter
![[TOP STORY] Executive pay: Navigating South Africa’s new Companies Act](https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p216/logo_5240_20251023_104213_1400.jpeg)
[TOP STORY] Executive pay: Navigating South Africa’s new Companies Act
‘I really do encourage companies that are disclosing these ratios not to just disclose a cold ratio with no context, and also not to just disclose the ratio as a compliance exercise’ – Leila Ebrahimi from PwC South Africa.

Is energy the next play for AI investors?
Viv Govender from Rand Swiss talks SpaceX and the opportunities he finds most attractive in the AI sector right now. Leila Ebrahimi of PwC unpacks what the newly signed Companies Act means for executive pay.











