Latest news with #JSEInvestmentChallenge
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Choosing the right online trading platform for you
Technology has transformed how South Africans engage with financial markets. Once the preserve of seasoned brokers and large institutions, online trading is now becoming more accessible to anyone with a smartphone and internet connection. The result? A rapid expansion of digital investing, with South Africa's digital investment market projected to reach $8.49 billion in 2025 – neobrokers expected to account for $5.36 billion of that, according to industry statistics. This democratisation of online trading is a win for accessibility, but it brings a new challenge: with so many options, how do you choose the right platform for your needs? In fact, the key isn't simply about gaining access – it's about choosing the right partner for your financial journey. Traders today typically fall into one of three categories: Those just getting started and eager to learn. Those who closely monitor the markets and manage their portfolio regularly. Those who are focused on growing wealth steadily over time. Recognising what type of trader you are is key to finding the right fit. It helps you identify the tools, guidance, and information that will support your confidence and decision-making. A strong platform should meet you at your level, offering meaningful, easy-to-understand insights without drowning you in jargon or diluting the complexity of the market. What's more, a great online trading platform does far more than just execute trades. It should empower users with: Clarity: A transparent, user-friendly interface that promotes confidence rather than confusion. Intelligence: Access to expert analysis, market explainers, and personalised insights that aid better decision-making. Education: Continuous learning through tools like investing and trading tips, how-to guides, and integrated financial literacy resources. Trust: Above all, when selecting an online trading platform, the importance of trust and the credibility of the institution cannot be overstated. A reputable platform not only adheres to regulatory standards but also prioritises the security of user data through advanced encryption and robust security measures. By choosing a platform backed by a respected institution, investors can engage with the markets confidently, knowing they have a trustworthy partner by their side. The most progressive platforms see education as central to their value proposition. They foster growth by offering content that simplifies complexity without diluting meaning, helping users become more informed and capable traders. Take, for example, the JSE Investment Challenge, a long-running initiative that engages high school and university students in simulated trading. Participants gain hands-on experience in real-time market conditions, learning key trading principles in a low-risk environment. Initiatives like these don't just grow skills – they build trust in the system and broaden financial literacy for future generations. As digital trading platforms evolve, they're not just opening up access – they're reshaping the way South Africans approach and interact with their finances. The future of trading goes beyond speed and sleek interfaces; it lies in creating platforms that blend simplicity with smart insights, where trust, performance, and a clear sense of purpose come together to empower better financial decisions. In a world where information is abundant, but insight is rare, the ability to make informed, intentional choices has never been more important. The right platform won't just help you trade – it will help you trade wisely. DM
Daily Maverick
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Market masters: JSE Investment Challenge sees record participation as Eden College and UWC excel
The March winners of the JSE Investment Challenge have been announced, showcasing the sharpest minds in South Africa's investment landscape. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has revealed the March winners of its 2025 Investment Challenge. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Eden College Durban took top honours in two of the competition's four categories. Growing investment talent With a 52-year history behind it, the JSE Investment Challenge has seen remarkable growth, attracting 6,911 school teams and 1,761 university teams, with a total of 28,304 participants this year. The competition offers a simulated trading environment, where teams manage a virtual R1-million portfolio across four risk-based categories: Income portfolio (low risk) Equity portfolio (moderate risk) Speculator portfolio (high risk) ETF/ETN (exchange-traded funds/exchange-traded notes) portfolio Teamwork and tenacity pay off Eden College Durban's Rupee Renegades clinched the top spot in the income category, earning R13,923.65 in virtual income. After previous attempts in the competition without a win, the team's persistence and collaborative approach proved pivotal this year. 'I think our teamwork is very good. We split up and did a lot of research for different portfolios,' said Priyesh Pramjee, the group's team leader. Another team member, Kuvendren Govender, added that: 'One of the most important things to do is to just watch the market, see what the current trends are, and see if there's a big dip or not. You have to assess for yourself when you think it's worth taking that risk.' While the team was tight-lipped about their specific strategies, they cited a range of influences on their decisions, including global trade tensions, tariffs, the national Budget, and the performance of state-owned enterprises like Transnet. Their teacher, Ashmikka Supkaran, highlighted the team's self-reliance. The students tackled the challenge independently — an approach Supkaran believes ultimately worked to their advantage. Supkaran added that the team applied lessons from last year's experience, stressing the importance of monitoring market trends in stock trading, as these trends ultimately determined investment outcomes. Learning from experience In the university speculator category, UWC's Investment X team — comprising Diteboho Tshabalala (LLB, third year) and Sisonke Mfeketho (BCom in Financial Accountancy) — secured victory with a portfolio growth of 17.93%. Returning for their second year, the team credited their improved understanding of the competition's nuances for their success. 'Last year we did not understand the actual context about some of the categories,' they reflected. Their key takeaway for fellow participants: 'Invest in single stock futures and Top 40 companies,' Mfeketho said. The March winners were: Schools The CEK-Circle of Trust from John Bisseker Secondary School in the Eastern Cape won the equity category, with growth of 11.19%. The Broker Jokers of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool in Gauteng won the speculator category with 9.10% growth. CGN-Los Santos Incorporated of Bloubergrant High School in the Western Cape won the ETF/ETN category with 2.33% growth. University ShortSaleSharks of Stellenbosch University in the Western Cape won the ETF/RTN category with 2.27% growth. What this means for you Think you've got what it takes to out-trade the current winners? The JSE Investment Challenge remains open for 2025, offering high school learners and university students a risk-free platform to build practical investment skills using a virtual R1-million portfolio. Whether you're new to trading or refining your strategy, the competition provides hands-on experience with real JSE-listed shares, backed by monthly prizes and the chance to compete nationally. Last year's winners demonstrated how trial, error, and persistence lead to growth; now it's your turn. Schools and universities can register for the challenge at or DM
