SFB | Actualités

Tariffs and Pain !

25/06/2025 SFB SA

The world economy is shakier now that Donald J. Trump has been re-elected. The strongly protectionist policies that President Trump ran on, such as a proposed 60% tariff on China, might have an impact on international commerce and macroeconomic conditions both domestically and internationally. A minimum 10 percent duty on all U.S. imports, plus higher tariffs on imports from 57 particular countries, was imposed by an executive order signed by President Trump on April 2, 2025.

Investment comment Q1 25

30/04/2025 SFB SA

The optimistic prognosis for the economy was upset by US President Donald Trump's trade battles in the first quarter of 2025. Markets experienced volatility as a result of the chaotic U.S. trade and tariff policies that caused a sharp decline in business and consumer confidence, and the major stock indices saw moderate declines. This created fears that corporate earnings growth would be disappointing and that economic growth would significantly slow. Concerns about tariffs caused US stocks to drop, but Europe did better after Germany revealed its spending plans. In the midst of the turmoil elsewhere, gold surged.

Whose the winner in Africa: India or China?

23/12/2024 SFB SA

China and India, both members of the BRICS, are in competition with one another for the position of global south leader. Beijing and New Delhi, both utilizing their own capabilities that influence international institutions and alliances, are pursuing different but internationally significant agendas as Western dominance dwindles. The decision between China and India to lead the global south is important for African countries, where development and sovereignty in decisionmaking are crucial. Each has benefits and drawbacks that could affect Africa's future.

Investment comment 12 24

20/12/2024 SFB SA

As the economy remained stable and the Fed continued to lower interest rates, the election results increased hopes for tax cuts and other pro-growth policies in 2025, which helped the S&P 500 to an alltime high in the fourth quarter and extend gains from 2024. For the second consecutive year, the S&P 500 recorded an annual return of more than 20% and a slightly positive return for the fourth quarter.

Investment view Q2 24

30/07/2024 SFB SA

Due to the US economy's continued strength and the continued excitement surrounding artificial intelligence, global stock markets saw significant increases in the first quarter 2024. Developed markets had a quiet start to the year, but by the end of January, the US, European, and Japanese equity markets had risen quickly, setting numerous trading records. Given the poor results in both Hong Kong and mainland China, particular attention was paid to the Chinese markets. The idea that the second-biggest economy in the world was having difficulty growing back to pre-pandemic levels was supported by indicators.

Investment update Q1 24

19/04/2024 SFB SA

Investment report Q4 23

30/01/2024 SFB SA

The last quarter of 2023 saw an incredible turnaround in the markets following the declining inflation, strong economic growth, and an unexpectedly dovish Federal Reserve decision. Both equities and bonds mounted a strong rally in the last two months of the year, following a challenging start to the fourth quarter.

China on fire…

19/09/2023 SFB SA

China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia with over 1.4 billion people and GDP of $27.3 trillion in 2020, the exponential growth of the Chinese economy in recent decades has made it the second-largest economy in the world. China's economy initially grew due to manufacturing, exports, and cheap labour, converting it from an agricultural economy to an industrial one. But over time, a search for new development engines became necessary by an imbalance in growth rate brought on by low returns on investments, an ageing workforce, and diminishing productivity.

Report 2 Q 2023

31/07/2023 SFB SA

Global stocks rose in the quarter, with developed markets, particularly the United States, leading the way, while emerging market equities trailed. AI (Artificial Intelligence) enthusiasm has lifted technology stocks. Although the US Federal Reserve chose to remain on hold in June, major central banks boosted interest rates over the time. Government bond rates increased, implying that prices declined.

Plastic money…What else?

19/09/2024 SFB SA

The term "plastic money" describes payment techniques used with cards that are primarily composed of plastic with some metal. The finest kind of plastic money are credit and debit cards, which let users conduct electronic transactions while keeping their card information safe. Cash, which is tangible money, has been fairly replaced by the production or manufacture of these cards. Unlike actual currency, plastic money facilitates transactions and is also easier to use. When you use plastic money, you can stop going to your bank for transactions or if you run out of cash.

Artificial Intelligence overview

21/03/2024 SFB SA

The "difference engine," created by Charles Babbage in the 19th century, is largely credited with being the first successful automatic calculator in history. Alan Turing, the British code-breaker who, among other things, broke the German Allied intelligence system during World War II, is considered a father figure of modern AI. He developed the Turing Test in 1950 to determine whether a machine is capable of displaying intelligent behaviour that is indistinguishable from human behaviour. The idea and reality of machine learning the creation of AI algorithms that can learn without programming by analysing massive datasets were made possible by the Internet's and computer power's exponential rise.

Emerging markets comment

15/12/2023 SFB SA

Currently, one-third of the world economy is accounted for by the Brics countries. However, they have never formed a unified economic entity due to the wide variations in GDP per person, trade patterns, and policy types. Their political views also diverge. In 2001, economist Jim O'Neill of Goldman Sachs coined the term "BRIC" (minus South Africa). He anticipated that the four BRIC economies would establish the lead in the world market by 2050. In 2010 there was the inclusion of South Africa on the list. Russia and China are dictatorial, but Brazil, India, and South Africa are democracies.