AFM Financial Blog

Understanding the Time Value of Money

In the world of finance, the concept of the time value of money (TVM) is pivotal. It's the principle that money available now is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity. This core tenet of finance holds that, provided money can earn interest, any amount of money is worth more the sooner it is received.

The Journey from Ownership to Profit Sharing

Equity, the core of financial markets, represents a company’s net worth, calculated as total assets minus total liabilities. In simpler terms, equity is akin to the paid-off portion of a home loan, where the value left after settling debts is the homeowner's equity. When investors buy shares in a company, they own a portion of its equity, entitling them to a share of the profits and assets, especially if the company liquidates.

Exploring Financial Markets: A Deep Dive into Their Mechanics and Interplay

In the realm of finance, understanding the intricate workings of financial markets is crucial. These markets, serving as the backbone of the economic system, facilitate the meeting of varied financial needs. They are places - not always physical - where trading of diverse goods, services, and instruments occurs. In South Africa, the financial markets' interplay is vividly demonstrated through interactions between various sectors, like commodities and banking, each affecting the other and the economy at large.

Exploring the Dynamics of Money Markets

Money markets play a pivotal role in the financial landscape, providing a platform for trading short-term debt instruments with high liquidity. These markets cater to the urgent liquidity needs of both investors and borrowers, offering a safe haven for short-term borrowing or lending. In this vibrant ecosystem, the money market is not only the largest domestic financial market but also an inclusive one, engaging individuals, businesses, and government entities alike.

Unlocking Tax Benefits: Learnerships in South Africa

In South Africa, learnerships are not only a valuable tool for skills development and addressing unemployment but also a source of significant tax benefits for participating companies. These tax incentives are designed to encourage businesses to invest in the growth and development of their workforce while contributing to the broader goals of economic transformation and empowerment in the country.

Understanding Learnerships in South Africa: A Path to Professional Growth

In South Africa, learnerships serve as a unique and effective approach to skills development and career advancement. They offer individuals valuable opportunities to gain hands-on experience and formal qualifications while providing businesses with a skilled and competent workforce.

Navigating the Complexities of Financial Market Risks

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, understanding and managing risks is crucial for both institutions and individual investors. This blog, based on Chapter 13 of the AFM Textbook, explores various aspects of risk in financial markets and how they can be managed effectively.

Exploring Overseas Investments: A Guide for South African Investors

In the dynamic world of finance, overseas investments present a wealth of opportunities for South African institutions and citizens. This blog delves into the various aspects of foreign investments, drawing insights from the comprehensive content of the AFM NQF6 accredited course.

Unit Trusts: A Key Component in Collective Investment Schemes

Unit trusts, a fundamental aspect of collective investments, offer a unique approach to pooling resources for investment. This blog explores the workings of unit trusts, providing insights into this popular investment vehicle, which forms part of the content in the AFM NQF6 accredited course.