AJM

07/12/2015

Cycling jerseys sponsored by AJM for the “Mid-Life Crisis” team that assembled on Saturday 21 November for what turned out to be a cold, wet and windy Coronation Double Century. Our 12-member team kicked off at 5:41am on Saturday morning from Swellendam and all 12 crossed the finish line together eight hours later. http://www.ajmglobal.com/

AJM Global Asset Management Strategies is an independent financial consultancy providing comprehensive financial solutions for individuals. Cape Town

15/04/2015

With a huge ponzi scheme based in South Africa recently being discovered, the FSB has warned that there has been a rise of pyramid schemes investigations of late. They warn consumers to be vigilant to investment opportunities that might appear too good to be true. At AJM we encourage clients to come to us first before making rash investment decisions, especially when it comes to investments that offer very high or guaranteed returns or require you as a member to recruit other members for a financial reward.

‘Stick to the stock market’ – advisor.

09/04/2015

A very good read on impulse investing. Allowing the latest investment news to influence your short term wealth decision-making can have a negative impact on your portfolio in the long term. At AJM we encourage our clients to speak to us before making investment decisions that might well influence their long-term investment goals.

Don’t let short-term noise ruin your long-term savings goals.

02/04/2015

We wish safe travels to anyone travelling over this long weekend and hope you enjoy the break. Remember, your greatest asset is yourself so make sure to be careful, especially when travelling on our notoriously dangerous roads.

31/03/2015

An interesting look at quantitative easing globally and how it has fuelled equity markets around the world, particularly South Africa’s. While the US Fed has stopped it’s quantitative easing programme is poised to raise interest rates in the near future, other central banks such as the ECB and Japan have initiated or continue their own easing programmes.

‘Money goes where the investment opportunities are’.

25/03/2015

AJM would like to congratulate Robbie Rorich – son of a great friend and client of AJM – on completing his maiden Absa Cape Epic on the weekend. Robbie, the youngest participant in this year’s Epic, and his partner Ant Baird overcame all the hardships inherent in this very tough eight-day challenge to finish well up in the field. Putting in the hard work to achieve a goal certainly pays, a brief reminder that investing for the future is very similar and as rewarding. Well done Robbie and Ant!

17/03/2015

Today we celebrate AJM's 13th birthday and our Managing Director, Alastair Mackie's, 21st year in the Financial Industry. It's been an amazing 13 years and AJM has moved from strength to strength over time. Here's to 13 more!

16/03/2015

It’s going to be a busy week as the U.S. Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank have their respective policy meetings. Most will be watching with baited breathe as to whether the U.S Fed will raise interest rates, however most believe any movement will only happen in June. The Swiss National Bank will be meeting for the first time since they scrapped the cap on the Swiss franc against the Euro in early January and the Bank of Japan is expected to keep up with its asset-buying campaign when they meet on Tuesday. We at AJM will keep an eye on the outcomes of these meetings.

A look at the global economy week ahead.

13/03/2015

While we generally look to what is happening in SA with regards to the recent Rand slide, Investec Asset Management South Africa summed it up well by noting: “The ECB initiated its bond buying (QE) programme on Tuesday, which resulted in the spread on US 10 year Treasuries over German Bunds widening. As a result of this, the US dollar has strengthened vs the euro and a number of other currencies, including the rand."

11/03/2015

Living beyond your means now will have a very material impact on the lifestyle you are able to live when you stop working. It is important that you maintain a lifestyle that allows you to be as best prepared for retirement as possible. This article highlights five steps that will help you in growing your wealth in a sustainable way.

Research conducted by Old Mutual Wealth found that 70% of South Africans earning up to R1m in annual salaries were overextended with no investible assets, while 14% said they were living beyond their means and struggled to make ends meet. Andrew Bradley, CEO of Old Mutual Wealth gives advice on the…

09/03/2015

African Bank (ABIL) recently made further announcements regarding the banks curatorship and the proposed amendments to the Banks Act. In order to empower the Curator to create a “Good Bank”, the National Treasury believes it is necessary to amend the law stipulated by the Banks Act that governs the movement of banking assets and liabilities. The amendment would allow for the creation of the “Good Bank” using specific assets and liabilities from ABIL, moving them to a completely new banking entity. Current law doesn’t allow for this to happen and hence the proposal for the amendment. Only once the new “Good Bank” is formed will there be clarity on what will happen to the liquidity of the funds that were placed into Retention Funds by some of the fund managers that held ABIL debt. While that is good news for investors who have money sitting in Retention Funds, it is vitally important that the correct process is followed in amending the law to ensure that investor rights and interests are protected. We at AJM will continue to monitor the progress of African Bank’s curatorship and the development of the “Good Bank”. Should any new developments take place, we will be sure to notify affected clients as soon as possible.

07/03/2015

Good luck to everyone cycling the Cape Town Cycle Tour tomorrow! Regardless of the unfortunate rerouting due to the recent fire that spread across a vast expanse of the Table Mountain National Park, it is going to be a great day. Invest in some rest this evening if you're participating!