logo
EQT: Seamless Trading for Investors With a Global Mindset

EQT: Seamless Trading for Investors With a Global Mindset

Daily Maverick14-05-2025

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, technology is transforming the way investors access global markets. To meet this need, Old Mutual Wealth recently rebranded My Wealth Trader to EQT (pronounced equity). The rebrand comes with improvements in technology, security and ease of use. EQT is a cutting-edge trading platform set to revolutionise investing by providing South African investors with a seamless opportunity to trade in over 60,000 investment instruments worldwide.
Jean Minnaar, Managing Director of Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth, says, 'The South African financial market is small and shrinking, representing less than 1% of global stock exchanges. This makes it crucial for investors to explore international opportunities and diversify their investments globally. However, high barriers to entry and complex processes have traditionally discouraged investors from expanding beyond local markets. EQT eliminates these barriers by offering an intuitive, seamless platform.'
He emphasises that EQT is more than just a trading platform, it's an essential partner and resource for investors focused on long-term investing and growing their wealth. With advanced technology, the platform, secured with institutional-grade encryption, biometric access, and multi-factor authentication, ensures a smooth, secure and empowering investment experience, even for those who are first time investors.
According to Shivani Naidoo CFA, Head of Digital Investor Solutions at Private Clients business, the platform offers expert research and insights with access to in-depth market analysis and analyst recommendations for investors to make informed decisions. This includes daily market updates, thematic screeners and personalised newsfeeds.
Naidoo says, 'For investors willing to expand their portfolios beyond South Africa's borders, EQT provides a timely and innovative solution to traditional investment channels by offering direct ownership of stocks, bonds, ETFs, structured notes, real-time insights, and low-cost trading, EQT empowers investors to take control of growing their wealth.'
She adds 'Investor behaviour is evolving, and more investors want to play an active role in their wealth creation. They want flexibility and the ability to act independently, while still benefiting from high-quality research and institutional-grade tools guided by expert insights. Self-directed investing is no longer on the margins, it's becoming a core part of how people engage with their financial futures. At Old Mutual Wealth, we are committed to meet this shift with modern wealth solutions, and EQT is a powerful enabler of this.'
Through the app, investors can execute trades across numerous global markets with ease and keep track of taxes and performance. There are no platform fees and no investment minimums. Investors also have the advantage of enhanced interest rates due to Old Mutual Wealth's size and scale, which enables it to partner with the biggest and most established financial services companies across the world.
Minnaar points out that the backing of a trusted brand such as Old Mutual Wealth is also important because there have been many scams by fly-by-night forex trading companies in South Africa promising impossible returns and charging high up-front minimums. 'The trusted Old Mutual brand brings with it the advantages of scale which gives investors an opportunity to use Old Mutual's asset swap capacity for greater offshore exposure. In addition, investors gain access to relevant Old Mutual incentives, including receiving Old Mutual Rewards points for every rand invested. For Old Mutual Wealth, EQT is not just a platform, it's a movement towards smarter, borderless investing. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, EQT provides the tools, insights, and cost-effective solutions to make every decision impactful.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Building a future for South Africa's next generation of farmers
Building a future for South Africa's next generation of farmers

IOL News

time3 hours ago

  • IOL News

Building a future for South Africa's next generation of farmers

Across the country, a generation of young farmers, many of whom are small-scale, is proving that agriculture can be innovative, sustainable, and a driver of inclusive economic growth. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Media THE future of agriculture relies heavily on nurturing the next generation of young, ambitious talent who are rooted in local soil. However, this growth needs to be bolstered by the right type of support to ensure a positive outlook for the industry. The truth is the age range of farmers isn't as young as we would think. AgriSA estimates the average age of a South African farmer to be around 57, while the latest Census of Commercial Agriculture puts the age at just over 50. Alarmingly, a hefty 65% of commercial farm managers were found to be between 45 and 65 years old. Across the country, a generation of young farmers, many of whom are small-scale, is proving that agriculture can be innovative, sustainable, and a driver of inclusive economic growth. These are not traditional subsistence farmers; they are tech-savvy entrepreneurs using data, innovation and regenerative practices to feed communities and rebuild rural economies. The barriers that they face, however, are well documented. We have rising input costs, grid instability, limited access to land, constrained market access, and a lack of finance – all of which are squeezing margins and blocking growth. For young farmers to thrive, they need a seat at the agricultural table. Yet, modern food value chains are often built around scale and consistency, making it difficult for smallholders to plug in. In South Africa, agricultural value chains have undergone significant modernisation over the past few decades. It's a great pity that smallholder farmers continue to face structural barriers to market access. Research suggests value-chain participants remain open to engaging with smallholders, provided the risks are mitigated through strong cooperative leadership and reliable extension services. If the industry acts now, we have the opportunity to cultivate a generation of talent that could help build and sustain the food systems of the future. Unlocking this growth will need to start with equity. This entails equitable access to inputs, finance, knowledge, and markets. It involves collaboration across the value chain to foster an enabling environment in which young farmers can thrive on commercial terms. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The economic opportunity of growing the future generation Through our Nutriology model we are working with all farmers to improve soil health, boost yields, and increase profitability. We don't do it for a single season, we do it sustainably. We know that with the right tools, data, and know-how, young farmers can be every bit as productive and resilient as their large-scale counterparts. Financial institutions have a critical role to play here by designing accessible lending models that reflect the realities of small-scale farming. This includes lower collateral requirements, blended finance, and insurance products tailored for climate risk. We need policymakers to ensure our infrastructure particularly in the rural areas connects farmers to markets reliably and affordably. As input producers, we need to continue innovating and offering value beyond the products. It's agronomic support, training, and soil diagnostics that truly help farmers grow – especially our young farmers. Louis Strydom, Sales and Marketing Director at Omnia Agriculture. Image: Supplied

Household affordability index shows rising food costs struggle at poverty line
Household affordability index shows rising food costs struggle at poverty line

IOL News

time4 hours ago

  • IOL News

Household affordability index shows rising food costs struggle at poverty line

However, year-on-year comparisons revealed a concerning rise of R190.36 (3,6%) from R5 252.77 in June 2024. In a constantly shifting economic landscape, the June 2025 Household Affordability Index painted a stark picture of food prices across South Africa. The index, which monitors the cost of 44 staple foods from numerous supermarkets and butcheries in key urban areas, illustrated the ongoing challenges faced by South African households as they grapple with fluctuating prices and inflation. The average cost of the Household Food Basket now stands at R5 443,12, reflecting a slight month-on-month decrease of R23,46 (0,4%) from May 2025's cost of R5 466,59. However, year-on-year comparisons revealed a concerning rise of R190,36 (3,6%) from R5 252,77 in June 2024. This duality of slight relief in the short term but continued strain over the past year exemplifies the precarious situation many families find themselves in. Delving deeper into the data, June saw a total of 44 foods monitored, with 19 items experiencing price increases and 25 seeing decreases. Staples such as onions and beef experienced significant hikes of 9% and 5% respectively. Meanwhile, essential items like potatoes (-11%), butternut (-5%), and bananas (-8%) offered some respite to consumers, showing marked reductions. These dynamics in food pricing are critical to understanding how households are coping with the cost of living in varying regions. Geographically, the affordability of food also varies. In Johannesburg, the food basket increased by R38,38 (0,7%) month-on-month to R5 648,85, while in Pietermaritzburg, it rose by R96,45 (1,9%). On the flip side, cities like Durban and Cape Town experienced decreases of R115,65 (-2,1%) and R31,95 (-0,6%) respectively, which provides a glimmer of hope for consumers in those areas. The situation is compounded by the realities of workers' wages. As of June 2025, the National Minimum Wage stands at R28,79 per hour, with many workers supporting families of four on marginal wages. The average cost of a basic nutritional food basket for a family of four is R3 809,26, a figure that starkly contrasts with disposable income post-transport and utility expenses. The reality is harsh: families underspend on food by about 48,5%, often unable to afford sufficient nutrition. The predicament for the most vulnerable groups is further highlighted by those dependent on the Child Support Grant, which stands at R560—30% below the food poverty line. This gap reveals the striking reality of food security challenges faced by many South African households, especially among women and children. The average monthly cost to feed a child a basic nutritious diet has seen a slight decrease this past month, yet the annual increase presents ongoing challenges for parents already struggling to make ends meet. In addition to food prices, the rising cost of household domestic and personal hygiene products—up by R11,96 (1,2%) month-on-month—further strains family budgets. As these essential products vie for space in already tight finances against food costs, households are forced to make increasingly difficult decisions regarding their expenditure. The June 2025 Household Affordability Index encapsulates the complexities and challenges of living in South Africa today. Mixed results in food prices imbue a sense of ambivalence, underlining a larger struggle as inflation impacts wages and essential expenses. Whether monthly allowances can meet the basic needs of families remains a pressing concern for many South Africans as they navigate this financial landscape.

Golden handshakes in SA: What they mean for employers and employees
Golden handshakes in SA: What they mean for employers and employees

IOL News

time4 hours ago

  • IOL News

Golden handshakes in SA: What they mean for employers and employees

The moment arrives unexpectedly: a private meeting, a quiet conversation, a generous offer to depart. The 'golden handshake' – a so-called severance package exceeding statutory minimums – promises a smooth exit. Yet, beneath the allure of immediate financial relief lies a complex South African legal landscape where missteps can trigger costly disputes and reputational damage. A well-drafted agreement should explicitly resolve all potential claims related to the employment relationship or its termination. This comprehensive approach helps protect the employer from future litigation by ensuring all relevant issues are addressed. In South Africa, there isn't a specific law directly governing golden handshakes. However, the term is often used to describe payments made to employees upon termination of employment, particularly when those payments are substantial and may not be directly tied to contractual obligations or severance benefits. While there isn't a specific law directly governing golden handshakes, our courts have upheld golden handshake arrangements provided they are entered into freely, with full disclosure, and are not unlawful or unconscionable', explained Advocate Tertius Wessels , Managing Director at Strata g Labour Solutions. Agreements should be entered into voluntarily, without any form of coercion or duress. It is essential that employees fully understand the terms and implications of the agreement, which may often require providing independent legal advice to ensure informed consent. The "golden" element of the agreement must represent fair compensation for waiving potential rights. This assessment should consider factors such as the employee's length of service, future employability prospects, and the circumstances surrounding their departure. Transparency in the calculation of entitlements fosters trust and clarity. A well-drafted agreement should explicitly resolve all potential claims related to the employment relationship or its termination. This comprehensive approach helps protect the employer from future litigation by ensuring all relevant issues are addressed. Mutually beneficial confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions can be effective when they are reasonable, clearly defined, and serve legitimate interests. Properly structured clauses help prevent damaging disclosures without overreach. An employee should not be pressured or coerced into signing an agreement. If an employee is compelled to agree to the termination under duress, intimidation, undue influence, or without fully understanding the implications of the agreement, it undermines the voluntary nature of the employee's consent. Employees who believe they were coerced can seek legal recourse to challenge the validity of the agreement. Employers should avoid ambiguity and omission in agreements to ensure legal clarity and enforceability, preventing disputes over interpretation that could lead to invalidation. Clear terms help avoid misunderstandings, reduce the risk of costly legal conflicts, and protect the employer's interests by explicitly defining entitlements, obligations, and post-employment restrictions. Additionally, precise agreements promote compliance with legal requirements, facilitate a smooth transition, and minimize financial and reputational risks by avoiding unexpected liabilities and maintaining a fair process. Overall, clarity and completeness in these agreements are essential for a lawful, efficient, and amicable termination. 'Too often, employers view golden handshakes as a simple financial transaction, neglecting the rigorous legal requirements for validity. The perception of voluntariness is paramount. True settlements require meticulous drafting, genuine negotiation, and absolute transparency. For CEOs and HR professionals, the message is clear: while golden handshakes offer a valuable tool for managing exits, their success hinges on strict adherence to labour law principles. Professional legal guidance is not a luxury, but a necessity to transform a potential legal minefield into a secure and dignified parting of ways,' concluded Wessels.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store