ARTICLES

The WM/Reuters benchmark rates, often referred to as the WMR fix, are the backbone of global foreign exchange pricing. Published at set times each day, they provide a standard reference for currencies, allowing investors, corporates, and traders to price transactions and value portfolios consistently. The most influential of these is the 4 p.m. London fix, a moment that concentrates liquidity and often drives volatility. For anyone active in FX, understanding how these rates are calculated and used is essential.

Learn how to build a well-rounded stock portfolio with practical strategies and advanced tools. Understand metrics like Sharpe Ratio, Alpha, and PEG, and see how diversification and technical indicators can help you balance risk and boost returns, even in unpredictable markets.

Gold is more than a commodity; it is a mirror of global sentiment and a counterweight to the U.S. dollar. For decades, shifts in the price of gold have rippled through currency markets, influencing everything from risk appetite to central bank reserves. Traders watch the metal’s swings closely, as they often hint at underlying pressures in exchange rates. This article explores how gold interacts with the dollar, why it acts as a safe haven, and how those links shape strategies in Forex.

In Q3 2025, Palantir posted revenue of $1.181 billion (around R22 billion), up 63% year-on-year, beating the $1.09 billion estimate. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.21 (+110%), and GAAP profit surged 231% to $476 million (R8.9 billion). Free cash flow hit $540 million (R10 billion), up 46%. The company sits on $6.4 billion (R120 billion) in cash and carries zero debt. U.S. commercial revenue rose a massive 121%. Management raised its guidance again — Q4 revenue is expected at $1.33 billion (R25 billion), versus $1.19 billion forecast, and full-year 2025 revenue is guided to between $4.396–$4.400 billion (+53%). Despite those impressive results, PLTR shares slid 7.2% in Tuesday trading, closing around $192 after touching $185 intraday. Year-to-date, the stock remains up 156%, with a market cap near $450 billion (roughly R8.4 trillion). For South African investors, this is a lesson that even world-class numbers can’t always satisfy markets when valuations are sky-high.

Meta Platforms Inc. (META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, posted robust Q3 2025 financials on October 29. Revenue came in at $51.24 billion, surpassing analyst expectations, and core earnings remained healthy despite a one-time $16 billion tax charge. But the following day, META shares nosedived by 11.33%, closing at $666.47—the sharpest single-day drop in three years, wiping out nearly $190 billion in market value. Investor concerns centered around Meta’s increased capital expenditure guidance, especially for its aggressive AI infrastructure investments. Management warned that 2026 spending would rise “significantly faster,” alarming investors who fear margin compression and slower returns on these investments. While user growth on Threads and ad revenue from AI-driven tools remain strong, the market punished the lack of immediate profitability. Analysts remain optimistic long-term, but the near-term outlook is clouded by uncertainty around monetization. The earnings dip offered a reminder: in today’s AI arms race, strong numbers aren’t always enough.

Looking for the most reliable way to invest in South African shares? Our ranking of the best stock brokers in South Africa highlights platforms that excel in reliability, ease of use and competitive pricing. We tested core factors such as platform security, customer service quality and transparent costs, while also reviewing stock-specific features like liquidity, execution speed and direct access to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Whether you’re investing in blue-chip companies or emerging local firms, these brokers provide South African investors with trusted, consistent tools to build strong equity portfolios.

Thinking about trading international shares beyond the JSE? Our ranking of the best global stock brokers in South Africa helps investors explore opportunities across major markets in the US, Europe and Asia. We evaluated safety standards, user-friendly platforms, fair fees and the quality of local customer support. Alongside these, we examined international coverage, currency conversion efficiency and access to highly liquid shares. These brokers give South African traders the gateway they need to diversify globally and manage cross-border portfolios seamlessly.

Wondering how to invest safely in bonds while maintaining steady returns? This ranking of South Africa’s best bond brokers focuses on transparency, low transaction costs and high-quality service. We looked at access to both government and corporate bonds, availability of different maturities and clarity in yield presentation. For South Africans aiming to balance portfolios with fixed-income instruments, these brokers provide secure, efficient and cost-effective entry points into a stable investment class.

Looking to diversify effortlessly through ETFs? Our ranking of the best ETF brokers in South Africa spotlights platforms that make broad diversification simple and affordable. We analysed safety, usability and fees, as well as ETF-specific factors like sector variety, geographic spread, trading volume and cost efficiency. These brokers enable South African investors to access baskets of shares or indices, making it easier to achieve balanced growth with minimal management effort.

Curious about trading futures in South Africa’s fast-moving markets? This review highlights brokers offering advanced tools, secure platforms and transparent pricing for futures trading. We assessed essential features like margin requirements, execution reliability and range of contracts available — from energy and metals to financial indices. Designed for experienced investors, these platforms give South Africans the precision, control and opportunity needed to trade confidently in local and international futures markets.

As the primary benchmark for the local market, the best JSE All-Share Index brokers are essential. We prioritize brokers with strong local compliance, minimal fees for JSE-listed instruments, and high execution reliability, offering South African investors the best way to track the local economy.

The top brokers for the S&P/ASX 200 Index enable South African investors to access the Australian market. Our assessment focuses on minimizing FX conversion costs (ZAR to AUD) and ensuring platform reliability for trading in the Oceania time zone.

The best Hang Seng Index brokers provide low-cost, reliable access to the Hong Kong market for South African investors. We prioritize minimal transaction costs, reliable real-time data, and fluid currency conversion.

The best FTSE 100 brokers for South Africa focus on competitive trading conditions. Our criteria include tight spreads and efficient FX conversion processes (ZAR to GBP), making exposure to the UK market performance cost-effective.

The top brokers for the SSE Composite Index provide compliant and reliable routes for indirect investment into the Mainland China (Shanghai) market. We assess the reliability of the investment product (ETFs or funds) and overall cost transparency.

To access the Japanese market, the best Nikkei 225 brokers for South Africa offer competitive trading rates and fast execution. We focus on platforms that facilitate seamless trading across time zones.

For exposure to Europe's leading companies, we rank brokers that provide access to the EURO STOXX 50. Key factors include minimizing the total cost of ownership and ensuring platform reliability.

The best brokers offering the S&P/TSX Composite Index enable South African investors to diversify into the Canadian market. Our evaluation considers FX conversion efficiency (ZAR to CAD) and the overall liquidity of the available investment vehicles.

Advanced South African traders looking to hedge portfolios or speculate on market fear need the best VIX brokers. We rank platforms based on their VIX product offering, prioritizing transparent margin requirements and sophisticated risk management tools.

For South Africa's tech investors, the top NASDAQ brokers offer access to the NASDAQ 100 with competitive spreads and advanced trading technology. We prioritize brokers with high-quality platforms that ensure fast and reliable execution.

The best Dow Jones brokers for South African investors provide low-cost access to the DJIA. Key criteria include overall trading costs and platform stability, crucial during fast-moving US market hours.

For exposure to the crucial US market, South African investors rely on platforms offering competitive S&P 500 access. Our ranking focuses on brokers that minimize FX conversion costs (ZAR to USD), offer tight index spreads, and guarantee reliable execution.

Interested in following benchmark indices like the FTSE/JSE Top 40 or S&P 500? Our ranking of the best index brokers in South Africa identifies platforms that deliver reliable exposure to both local and global indices. We examined safety, usability, data reliability and tracking accuracy, ensuring investors can follow market trends with confidence. These brokers give South Africans transparent, cost-effective tools to invest in the performance of the world’s leading benchmarks.

Thinking about trading options but unsure where to start? Our selection of South Africa’s best options brokers features platforms that combine strong security, fair pricing and professional support. We evaluated strike price availability, contract diversity and execution quality. Whether you’re hedging a position or exploring speculative strategies, these brokers provide South African investors with regulated access and advanced features suited to both new and experienced traders.

Wondering which Forex brokers truly stand out in South Africa’s competitive market? This ranking identifies the platforms that combine trust, technology and transparent pricing. We assessed safety, spreads, execution speed, range of currency pairs and the availability of advanced trading tools. These brokers allow South African traders to participate in the world’s most liquid market with confidence, precision and strong regulatory oversight.

Gold is a crucial safe-haven asset, especially in South Africa. We evaluate brokers that provide secure access (ETFs, CFDs, or physical options). Key factors include custody safety, low transaction costs, and deep liquidity, making these platforms ideal for long-term wealth preservation.

Leading oil brokers for South Africa provide fluid access to global benchmarks. We value stable spreads, reliable execution during volatile events, and clear margin policies, essential for traders looking to speculate or hedge against energy price fluctuations.

The best agri-commodities brokers for South Africa offer access to global and local soft commodities markets. We prioritize competitive pricing, fast execution, and specialized tools, crucial for trading assets linked to domestic and global food production.

Looking to add commodities to your investment mix? Our ranking of the best commodity brokers in South Africa highlights platforms that provide safe, efficient access to markets like gold, oil, agriculture and metals. We evaluated security, pricing and ease of use, as well as liquidity and market depth. These brokers give South Africans the opportunity to diversify portfolios with real assets that are closely tied to global and regional economic trends.

The best Altcoins brokers for South Africa cater to investors seeking high-growth digital assets. We rank brokers based on token diversity, transparent fee schedules, and advanced security measures, allowing South Africans to explore the broader crypto market safely.

Top Ethereum platforms for South African users offer competitive spreads and reliable trading environments for ETH. Our comparison emphasizes technological infrastructure, feature availability, and overall regulatory compliance, ensuring a well-supported and secure experience.

The best Bitcoin brokers for South Africa combine high security with local compliance. We evaluate wallet security, clear fee structures, efficient ZAR deposits/withdrawals, and alignment with FSCA guidelines, offering a secure path for South African investors to trade BTC.

Interested in trading cryptocurrencies but need trusted guidance? Our ranking of South Africa’s best crypto brokers was designed for both beginners and advanced traders. We reviewed platform safety, fee transparency and the quality of customer service, along with digital-asset-specific criteria like wallet security, token variety and transaction speed. Whether you’re buying Bitcoin, Ethereum or exploring altcoins, these brokers offer a regulated, reliable entry into the evolving world of digital assets.