Over the last quarter of 2012, both local and global equity markets continued to register strong gains. The SWIX Index (which represents the performance of the South African equity market) returned 10.06% over the quarter and 29.09% over the year, while the MSCI AC World Index (which gives an indication of the performance of international markets) returned 4.03% over the quarter and 20.87% over the year (all when measured in rands).

With almost R80 million worth of banknotes in circulation, cash remains the primary currency in South Africa, and when cash is king, security is key. The dynamic nature of risk combined with the evolving methods of criminals make the effective protection of cash a significant challenge, particularly for businesses operating in the retail sector.

Business rescue is a process providing for the rescue and recovery of financially distressed companies in a manner that balances the rights and interests of all relevant stakeholders. SARS has participated as a creditor in business rescue proceedings and has exercised the rights afforded to it by the Companies Act.

Liang Du, portfolio manager at Prescient Investment Management breaks down investment opportunities in China for SA businesses. 

Entrepreneurs face various challenges throughout the year, but the beginning of a new year, as some entrepreneurs may now be realising, always brings with it additional and unique challenges to overcome.