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Gold price

GoldGold’s bull-run set to continue

The announcement last week by United States Federal Reserve (Fed) head Ben Bernanke that interest rates will not rise until late 2014 and signaling that the Fed will be seeking inflation in the quest for economic growth, has put paid to predictions that the 11-year bull run by gold is about to end. Some observers now predict that the gold prices will jump between $600 and $800 an ounce this year.

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Home ownership

PropertyOwning a home more affordable

House prices and interest rates have fallen to such a great extent, that the monthly cost of owning a home is now more affordable than at any other point in the past 15 years and less expensive in terms of cash flow than renting in a number of South Arican suburbs. It is not fully reflected in market activity yet, but it is a better time to buy than it has been for some time, according to experts like Auction Alliance CEO Rael Levitt.

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Crystal ball

Charles_pics_2007_00_opt2.0Taxation Laws Amendment Bill comes under the microscope

Compared to the original draft version that was released in June this year, the final Taxation Laws Amendment Bill (TLAB) has proved to be an overall success in terms of the legislative process, despite concerns from business that a proposed suspension by National Treasury on section 45 could see the end of sustainable black economic empowerment (BEE).

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“One Bank in Africa” strategy

Amman_Muhammad_profile_opt2.0Islamic banking heralds African expansion

Absa Islamic Banking is firmly entrenched in the South African Islamic financial services market. It is making inroads in sub-Saharan Africa and is recognised as a globally competitive player. The majority of Africa’s Muslim population, estimated at between 400 million and 500 million (which constitutes nearly 50% of the total population of the continent), is still unbanked.

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The new world order

It has been “nose to the grindstone” since taking over as editor from my esteemed colleague Piet Coetzer, as Blue Chip strives to bring you insider opinions from the people who count in the world of finance and beyond.

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Worth a read

Worth_a_read211111Coming to grips with financial and economic meltdown

The turmoil that over recent years has engulfed the global financial system and threatens economies across the world is for ordinary folk mostly a frustratingly complex and confusing subject. Now there is a book that at least helps us to come to grips with the origins of the crisis as we brace ourselves for its full impact.

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