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Mail & Guardian
21 hours ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Mastering advanced position sizing techniques for South African traders
In the fast-paced world of forex and stock trading, South African traders are constantly seeking ways to optimize their strategies and increase their profitability. While most focus heavily on identifying the best entry and exit points, one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of successful trading is position sizing. This technique determines how much capital to allocate to each trade, directly affecting both risk exposure and potential returns. Mastering advanced position sizing techniques can be the difference between consistent growth and devastating losses. Understanding position sizing begins with knowing your risk tolerance and trading goals. Many traders in South Africa use South Africa's financial markets are uniquely influenced by a combination of domestic and international factors. Local elements like political developments, regulatory shifts, and the strength of the South African rand (ZAR) interact with global trends, such as commodity prices and foreign interest rate movements. These dynamics often lead to high market volatility, making precise position sizing even more crucial for South African traders. Proper position sizing helps protect your trading capital during unpredictable swings, ensures psychological comfort by managing drawdowns, and enhances the overall consistency of your trading performance. By controlling how much you risk per trade, you're less likely to fall victim to emotional decision-making driven by fear or greed. Before diving into advanced techniques, it's important to grasp the fundamental principles that support effective position sizing: Risk Per Trade : This is the maximum percentage of your total account balance you're willing to lose on a single trade. For most professional traders, this ranges from 1% to 2%. Stop-Loss Placement : Position sizing should always be calculated based on where your stop-loss is placed, not based on arbitrary lot sizes. Account Volatility : More volatile trading environments may require smaller position sizes to compensate for increased risk. Leverage Awareness : South African brokers may offer high leverage, but using it without considering position sizing can be dangerous. Experienced traders in South Africa can explore several advanced position sizing techniques to fine-tune their risk management approach. These strategies are designed to optimise both returns and capital protection. This is the most commonly used approach where a fixed percentage of your account is risked on every trade. For example, if you decide to risk 2% of your R100,000 account, you would risk R2,000 on each trade. This method is simple, consistent, and helps reduce risk as your account balance decreases. This technique adjusts the size of your position based on the asset's volatility. More volatile assets require smaller positions, while less volatile ones allow for larger positions. Many South African traders use the Average True Range (ATR) indicator to measure market volatility and determine appropriate trade sizes. The Kelly Criterion is a mathematical formula used to determine the optimal size of a series of trades for maximum growth. It takes into account the probability of winning and the ratio of average win to average loss. While powerful, it assumes you know your win rate and risk/reward ratio with precision, which can be difficult in real-time trading. Rather than allocating equal capital to each trade, this method involves allocating equal risk. So even if one trade has a wider stop-loss than another, both trades expose the trader to the same level of risk. This approach is particularly useful for diversified portfolios. Your trading style should influence your position sizing strategy: Day Traders : Typically take smaller positions with tighter stop-losses due to frequent trades and shorter timeframes. Swing Traders : May allow for slightly larger stop-losses and therefore smaller position sizes to accommodate market fluctuations. Position Traders : Often use the smallest position sizes but hold trades over longer periods, requiring patience and confidence in market trends. Fortunately, South African traders have access to various tools and platforms that simplify position sizing. Most trading platforms now include built-in calculators or indicators to help you determine appropriate trade sizes. Additionally, economic calendars, volatility indicators, and risk management templates can assist in crafting a robust strategy. Using Even with advanced techniques, traders often fall into common pitfalls: Ignoring Stop-Losses : Never calculate position size without a defined exit strategy. Overleveraging : Using too much leverage without considering the impact on position sizing can quickly lead to margin calls. Emotional Trading : Adjusting position sizes based on gut feelings rather than data is a recipe for disaster. Lack of Consistency : Switching strategies too frequently prevents the development of a reliable risk management routine. For South African traders aiming to thrive in today's competitive markets, mastering advanced position sizing techniques is non-negotiable. It's not just about maximising profits, but also about ensuring the longevity of your trading career. By implementing strategies like volatility-based sizing, fixed fractional methods, and using platforms like HFM for support, traders can build a solid foundation for sustained success. With the right knowledge and discipline, position sizing becomes not just a technique—but a core pillar of professional trading.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why South Africa Is the Best Country to Visit If You Have Digestive Issues
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Condé Nast may earn an affiliate commission. Getty Images After visiting all seven continents, I've concluded there are two types of anxious travelers: those who need to know where to find the closest emergency exit and those who need the location of the nearest restroom. I'm the latter. For me and my fellow passengers living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—a group of digestive conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis—going to the bathroom is the emergency. At age 17, when I should have been on a senior class trip, I was in the hospital getting a colonoscopy. I opened my college acceptance letter while camped out on the toilet in my parents' bathroom at our farm in Montana. It's hard to celebrate receiving a full-ride scholarship to your dream school in New York City when you're not sure you'll be well enough to go. But, fortunately, with the help of modern medicine, I made it to the Big Apple. In fact, living in Queens—where more than 800 languages are spoken—inspired me to become a travel writer. Crohn's disease may be a life sentence, but I haven't let my diagnosis rule my life. If anything, getting diagnosed with a chronic condition was the catalyst I needed to realize I couldn't count on tomorrow. When it comes to travel, as long as I'm in remission, today is the day. In the last four months, I've zip-lined in Costa Rica, logged 20,000-step days in Paris, skied in the Italian Alps, swam with manta rays in the Maldives, and spent a week on a wine farm in South Africa—which I consider the best country to visit if you have a digestive disorder. In fact, I've traveled to South Africa so often in the past 10 years that immigration is starting to give me some serious side-eye. I even convinced my mom, who also has Crohn's disease but hates to travel, to spend two weeks with me in Cape Town and Kruger National Park. She loved it. That's because out of all 70-something countries I've visited, no country welcomes Crohnies—or anyone with IBD—quite like the Rainbow Nation. South Africa can swallow nearly three Californias. When I talk about the country, I'm referring to Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as safari camps, wine country, and other traveler-friendly destinations. The first thing I love about South Africa is I've never had to pay to use a public toilet. Meanwhile, in Norway, I averaged at least $20 a day on bathroom breaks at public toilets that only opened with a credit card swipe. I did just read that a Durban shopping center is implementing a new restroom fee but it's just 2 ZAR (about 10 cents). I don't know of any Cape Town shopping centers or malls that charge. Plus, the city maintains more than 75 public restrooms, mostly found along the promenade and in tourist areas. That said, I usually just duck into a shopping center, a petrol station if I'm road-tripping, or a restaurant where I know there will be toilet paper and soap. Currently, the US dollar remains strong in South Africa, and I can afford to patronize eateries multiple times per day just to use their facilities. Food is also inexpensive, and it's easy to find gut-friendly options. I'd trade a kidney for the recipe for the homemade gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate brownies sold in the Picnickery at Spier Wine Farm. Yes, South Africa is so idyllic they have picnickeries where you can purchase freshly baked bread (some made with 'celiac-certified flour'), vegan cheese you'd never guess was made from nuts, and organic Sauvignon Blanc. Although she doesn't condone drinking, my gastroenterologist says dry wines, which are low in residual sugars, are best for people with irritable bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's. For fast food, I hit up Kauai, a wellness-themed franchise featuring burgers, wraps, bowls, and salads. Look for the flagship locations, because they have make-your-own menus where you can customize your meal. That said, I've never had a waiter give me side-eye in South Africa when I asked for a substitution. And unlike in some cultures, where it's considered rude to decline food offered to you by a local, here they don't get too offended. For example, I like to support the country's ethical township tours, which bring visitors to settlements formed under the apartheid government to enforce segregation. But I usually don't eat the food offered to me. As tempting as it may be, I just can't afford to take any chances while on the road. I won't sugarcoat it: I've gotten sick in South Africa. I was there in 2021 when Omicron was discovered. But every time I've had to see a doctor there, I've been pleasantly surprised. Private hospitals and clinics offer good health care at great prices. While I pay $200 for a consultation with a gastroenterologist and $8,000 for a colonoscopy stateside, I can get the same service and procedure for just $100 and $800, respectively, in Cape Town. I've also found a family-owned pharmacy in Sea Point willing to refill my prescriptions when I run out, and the plastic surgeon who gives me Botox in Green Point is happy to write a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic that treats both bacteria and parasitic infections when I can't outrun the runs. If you're going on safari in South Africa, there's no need to worry about the bathroom situation. 'Watering a tree' is a rite of passage on any game drive. If nature's call requires going number two, simply use a 'wag bag,' a portable toilet in a pocket-size pouch you can buy on Amazon and at most outdoor retailers. Usually, your guide will check behind the tree (and up in it) first to make sure there are no dangerous animals enjoying its shade. Safari camps also pride themselves on offering guests a loo with a view. At Royal Malewane, in the Limpopo Province, I watched giraffes and baboons from my porcelain throne. And at its sister property, The Silo Hotel, floor-to-ceiling pillowed-glass windows in the bathroom boast panoramic vistas of Table Mountain's iconic peaks and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Cape Town International Airport's best-kept secret, meanwhile, is this unisex corner stall in the business lounge, where you can watch planes land and take off while taking your time on the toilet. Can the pilots or passengers on the planes see you? I'm not sure. But even if they can, why feel embarrassed? No one gets through life without going number two. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice Want to be the first to know? Sign up to our newsletters for travel inspiration and tips Stop Counting the Countries You Visit How Safe Is Flying Today? 5 Things Experts Want Travelers to Know The Best Places to See the Northern Lights Worldwide
Condé Nast Traveler
4 days ago
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
Why South Africa Is the Best Country to Visit If You Have Digestive Issues
After visiting all seven continents, I've concluded there are two types of anxious travelers: those who need to know where to find the closest emergency exit and those who need the location of the nearest restroom. I'm the latter. For me and my fellow passengers living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—a group of digestive conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis—going to the bathroom is the emergency. At age 17, when I should have been on a senior class trip, I was in the hospital getting a colonoscopy. I opened my college acceptance letter while camped out on the toilet in my parents' bathroom at our farm in Montana. It's hard to celebrate receiving a full-ride scholarship to your dream school in New York City when you're not sure you'll be well enough to go. But, fortunately, with the help of modern medicine, I made it to the Big Apple. In fact, living in Queens—where more than 800 languages are spoken—inspired me to become a travel writer. Katie Jackson poses in front of Lion's Head mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Katie Jackson Crohn's disease may be a life sentence, but I haven't let my diagnosis rule my life. If anything, getting diagnosed with a chronic condition was the catalyst I needed to realize I couldn't count on tomorrow. When it comes to travel, as long as I'm in remission, today is the day. In the last four months, I've zip-lined in Costa Rica, logged 20,000-step days in Paris, skied in the Italian Alps, swam with manta rays in the Maldives, and spent a week on a wine farm in South Africa—which I consider the best country to visit if you have a digestive disorder. In fact, I've traveled to South Africa so often in the past 10 years that immigration is starting to give me some serious side-eye. I even convinced my mom, who also has Crohn's disease but hates to travel, to spend two weeks with me in Cape Town and Kruger National Park. She loved it. That's because out of all 70-something countries I've visited, no country welcomes Crohnies—or anyone with IBD—quite like the Rainbow Nation. Where to find toilets South Africa can swallow nearly three Californias. When I talk about the country, I'm referring to Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as safari camps, wine country, and other traveler-friendly destinations. The first thing I love about South Africa is I've never had to pay to use a public toilet. Meanwhile, in Norway, I averaged at least $20 a day on bathroom breaks at public toilets that only opened with a credit card swipe. I did just read that a Durban shopping center is implementing a new restroom fee but it's just 2 ZAR (about 10 cents). I don't know of any Cape Town shopping centers or malls that charge. Plus, the city maintains more than 75 public restrooms, mostly found along the promenade and in tourist areas. That said, I usually just duck into a shopping center, a petrol station if I'm road-tripping, or a restaurant where I know there will be toilet paper and soap. Currently, the US dollar remains strong in South Africa, and I can afford to patronize eateries multiple times per day just to use their facilities. The Picnickery at Spier Wine Farm provides picnic blankets and baskets brimming with curated treats that accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences. Spier What to eat (and drink) Food is also inexpensive, and it's easy to find gut-friendly options. I'd trade a kidney for the recipe for the homemade gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate brownies sold in the Picnickery at Spier Wine Farm. Yes, South Africa is so idyllic they have picnickeries where you can purchase freshly baked bread (some made with 'celiac-certified flour'), vegan cheese you'd never guess was made from nuts, and organic Sauvignon Blanc. Although she doesn't condone drinking, my gastroenterologist says dry wines, which are low in residual sugars, are best for people with irritable bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's. For fast food, I hit up Kauai, a wellness-themed franchise featuring burgers, wraps, bowls, and salads. Look for the flagship locations, because they have make-your-own menus where you can customize your meal. That said, I've never had a waiter give me side-eye in South Africa when I asked for a substitution. And unlike in some cultures, where it's considered rude to decline food offered to you by a local, here they don't get too offended. For example, I like to support the country's ethical township tours, which bring visitors to settlements formed under the apartheid government to enforce segregation. But I usually don't eat the food offered to me. As tempting as it may be, I just can't afford to take any chances while on the road. In case of an emergency I won't sugarcoat it: I've gotten sick in South Africa. I was there in 2021 when Omicron was discovered. But every time I've had to see a doctor there, I've been pleasantly surprised. Private hospitals and clinics offer good health care at great prices. While I pay $200 for a consultation with a gastroenterologist and $8,000 for a colonoscopy stateside, I can get the same service and procedure for just $100 and $800, respectively, in Cape Town. I've also found a family-owned pharmacy in Sea Point willing to refill my prescriptions when I run out, and the plastic surgeon who gives me Botox in Green Point is happy to write a prescription for metronidazole, an antibiotic that treats both bacteria and parasitic infections when I can't outrun the runs. Built atop a former grain silo, the Silo Hotel is a unique property with stunning views of Cape Town. The Silo Loos with views If you're going on safari in South Africa, there's no need to worry about the bathroom situation. 'Watering a tree' is a rite of passage on any game drive. If nature's call requires going number two, simply use a 'wag bag,' a portable toilet in a pocket-size pouch you can buy on Amazon and at most outdoor retailers. Usually, your guide will check behind the tree (and up in it) first to make sure there are no dangerous animals enjoying its shade. Safari camps also pride themselves on offering guests a loo with a view. At Royal Malewane, in the Limpopo Province, I watched giraffes and baboons from my porcelain throne. And at its sister property, The Silo Hotel, floor-to-ceiling pillowed-glass windows in the bathroom boast panoramic vistas of Table Mountain's iconic peaks and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Cape Town International Airport's best-kept secret, meanwhile, is this unisex corner stall in the business lounge, where you can watch planes land and take off while taking your time on the toilet. Can the pilots or passengers on the planes see you? I'm not sure. But even if they can, why feel embarrassed? No one gets through life without going number two. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scatec wins battery storage project in South Africa
Oslo, 30 May 2025: Scatec ASA has been awarded preferred bidder status for the Haru BESS Battery Energy Storage Project totalling 123 MW/492 MWh in the third bid window of the Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP) in South Africa, by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. Scatec will receive payments under a 15-year agreement for making the storage capacity available for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) which will utilise the capacity to balance the grid. The estimated total capex for the battery energy storage project is ZAR 2.2 billion (USD 120 million) of which Scatec's EPC contracts account for approximately 80%. The project will be financed by 90% non-recourse project debt and the remaining by equity from the owners. 'Today's award reaffirms our standing as a leading renewable energy player in South Africa. We applaud the South African government's commitment and dedication to the renewable energy procurement programmes. Battery energy storage will continue to play an important role in the energy transition, and we will continue to be at the forefront across our core markets,' says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog. Building on the experience garnered from the hybrid solar and battery storage projects at Kenhardt, and the ongoing construction of Mogobe BESS, Scatec continues to actively support battery integration to stabilise the national grid. 'Dispatchable energy and grid infrastructure are now more important than ever, in the pathway to unlock the sustainability of South Africa's current and future energy system,' adds Alberto Gambacorta, GM and EVP Sub-Saharan Africa, Scatec. Scatec will own 50.01% of the equity in the project with Stanlib's Greenstreet and Redstreet Funds owning 44.99% and a Community Trust holding 5%. Scatec will provide engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), operations & maintenance (O&M), and asset management (AM) services to the project. According to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, commercial close is expected to be concluded by the end of Q1 2026. The project will be located in the Free State Province. For further information, please contact:For analysts and investors:Andreas Austrell, VP 974 38 686 For media:Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & 468 44 959 About Scatec Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 6.2 GW in operation and under construction across five continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of 'Improving our Future'. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol 'SCATC'. To learn more, visit or connect with us on LinkedIn. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
Edinburgh Reporter
5 days ago
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
In-Depth Review of the 1win Online Platform
Online entertainment platforms have become increasingly popular, offering a wide range of gaming and betting opportunities. The service known as 1win is a prominent name in this sector, recognized for its extensive game selection and attractive bonus system. It caters to a global audience, providing a diverse array of over 10,000 gambling games, from casino classics to innovative crash games and comprehensive sports betting markets. This platform continually evolves, aiming to deliver a high-quality service to its users. Exploring the Extensive Game Catalogue The heart of this platform lies in its vast and varied game library. Users can typically find entertainment across several key categories, ensuring there's something to suit almost every preference. Slot Machines: A dominant category, offering thousands of titles. This includes everything from traditional fruit machines to modern video slots packed with engaging themes, high-quality graphics, and unique bonus features. Popular slots often feature high RTP (Return to Player) rates and the chance for progressive jackpots. Table Games and Live Casino: Classic table games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker are standard. For a more authentic experience, the live casino section allows players to interact with real dealers in real-time, bringing the casino floor to their screens. Crash Games: Titles like Aviator, Lucky Jet, and JetX have gained significant popularity due to their simple yet thrilling mechanics, where players aim to cash out before a multiplier collapses. Sports Betting: A comprehensive sportsbook allows users to wager on a multitude of sports, with options for both pre-match and live betting. Understanding Promotional Offers and Loyalty This platform is known for its appealing bonus structure, starting with a substantial welcome offer. New users can often receive a 500% bonus distributed over their first four deposits, with a potential maximum of up to 14,000 ZAR. Beyond this, other incentives are typically available: Loyalty Program (1win Coins): Active players can earn special '1win Coins' by participating in games and betting. These coins can generally be exchanged for real money or other platform-specific rewards. Weekly Cashback: A cashback offer, potentially up to 30% on weekly losses, provides a form of compensation for unsuccessful bets. Promo Codes and Special Offers: Users might also find opportunities to use promo codes, often found on partner sites or through platform communications, to unlock additional bonuses or favorable terms. Operational Aspects: Licensing, Payments, and Support The platform operates under a Curacao license (8048/JAZ2018-040), providing a regulated framework for its services. It supports multiple languages and currencies, including ZAR, and offers a variety of payment methods tailored to different regions, such as Swifty EFT, Perfect Money, Visa, AstroPay, and various cryptocurrencies. The minimum deposit is often set at an accessible level (e.g., 19 ZAR). Like this: Like Related
