The Atlanta Fed’s GDP Forecast
- The Atlanta Fed GDPNow predicts a -2.4% GDP contraction for Q1 2025.
- Market uncertainty due to tariffs and economic policy concerns.
- Corporate travel and consumer bookings showing signs of weakness as Delta Airlines downgrades their expectations from mid January.
Market Reactions and Sell-Offs
- Nasdaq and S&P had their worst single-day drops since 2022.
- Major stocks like Nvidia, ASML, and CrowdStrike seeing significant declines.
- Bitcoin at $81,000 amid broader market volatility.
Europe as a Potential Investment Opportunity
- Europe’s economic stimulus: Germany announces a €500B package.
- ETFs to consider: EURO STOXX 50 (SYGEU) vs. MSCI Europe Industrial Sector.
- Potential for growth in industrial and defense sectors.
Just One Lap Turns 14
- Founded in 2011 to provide online financial education.
- Reflection on the platform’s growth and community support.
South African Budget Review
- Possible VAT increase; lack of innovative fiscal strategies.
- Previous reliance on gold reserves for financial stability.
- Discussion on potential economic impacts.
HomeChoice International Results
- Revenue up 21%, HEPS up 27%, dividend up 17%.
- Expanding into fintech with PayJustNow and FinChoice.
- Liquidity concerns despite strong financial performance.
Two-Pot Retirement Withdrawals – Where Did the Money Go?
- Initial claims suggested debt repayment, but data suggests spending.
- Increased vehicle sales, hospitality sector growth (e.g., Spur, Sun International).
- Implications for long-term financial planning.
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00:00 Economic Outlook: Recession Predictions and Market Reactions
09:07 Investing in Europe: Opportunities and ETFs
12:07 Celebrating 14 Years of Just One Lap
13:20 Budget Analysis: VAT Increase and Economic Innovation
15:09 Home Choice International: Business Performance and Liquidity Challenges
18:19 Consumer Spending Trends: Where Did the Money Go?
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JSE Direct is an independent broadcast and is not endorsed or affiliated with, nor has it been authorised, or otherwise approved by JSE Limited. The views expressed in this programme are solely those of the presenter, and do not necessarily reflect the views of JSE Limited.
Wednesdays are all about hard-core investing and trading with Simon Brown’s famous JSE Direct podcast. JSE Direct started life on ClassicFM in July 2008 and became a podcast in 2011. Every week Simon shares his views on the state of global economies, individual shares and events moving markets.
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JSE – The JSE is a registered trademark of the JSE Limited.
JSE Direct is an independent broadcast and is not endorsed or affiliated with, nor has it been authorised, or otherwise approved by JSE Limited. The views expressed in this programme are solely those of the presenter, and do not necessarily reflect the views of JSE Limited.