CEO editorial – Quarter 1 2025
Gary Mockler Group Chief Executive Officer _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Every moment of momentum – whether in markets, emotions, or circumstances- can create a false sense of permanence. Experience shows us the truth: no trend lasts forever, no headline rules forever, and no environment remains static. That’s why sound planning isn’t about chasing moments of high or low; it’s about being prepared to navigate what comes next. These moments often stir strong emotions – anxiety for some, excitement for others – and while those feelings are natural, they should never dictate financial decisions. The urge to act impulsively is strongest when uncertainty peaks. But reacting without a clear plan isn’t strategy – it’s impulse. This quarter’s message is simple: strategy should never be hostage to fleeting events. Short-term noise, however loud, shouldn’t rewrite long-term goals. Financial plans need to be robust enough to... Read More
Active vs. passive investing: What really matters?
Samir Narotam Portfolio Manager _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ The perennial debate – which is better – active asset management or should you use passive asset management? As your dedicated asset manager, GTC wants to provide a clearer understanding of two primary approaches to investment fund management: active and passive. While both strategies aim to grow your capital, they differ significantly in their methodology, risk exposure and potential outcomes. Our primary objective at GTC and as a multi-manager, is to optimise your portfolio’s growth and navigate market complexities effectively. To that end, we have provided a focused perspective on the strategic rationale behind our emphasis on optimal investment management rather than purely active or purely passive management. Passively managed funds: Following the market Imagine a boat simply going with the flow of the ocean. That’s essentially how passively managed funds, often called... Read More
Buying vs. renting in South Africa
Manty Seligman Director – Asset Management _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Navigating property decisions in South Africa’s high-interest rate climate 2025 In the unpredictable theatre of South Africa’s economy, the age-old question resurfaces with fresh urgency: Is now the time to buy a home, or does renting offer a smarter play? The appeal of homeownership is enduring – equity, stability, pride of place. But when interest rates flirt with 12% and the broader macroeconomic outlook feels like a game of political Jenga, even seasoned investors are pausing to reassess. The answer isn’t as binary as it once was. The economic landscape: Debt is no longer cheap As of 2025, the South African Reserve Bank is holding the line on elevated interest rates in a prolonged bid to manage inflation and stabilise a battered currency. Prime lending rates hover around 11.75% to... Read More
