There is a sentiment among retail investors that socially responsible investing (SRI) is rather like a charity — you don’t get the same returns as a "normal" investment. Performance figures, however, prove that you can have a conscience and make money.
Recently, Standard Bank’s economics division released an update on its residential property gauge. House-price rises slowed from 6,5% in June to 6% in July, the lowest growth rate since December 2002, and the bank believes the slowdown in property price growth is now entrenched.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene stroked a superb 123 to guide his team to a dramatic one-wicket victory against South Africa on the final day of the second Test on Tuesday, taking the series 2-0. Sri Lanka, resuming the day on 262-5 and needing 90 more runs, appeared to be on the brink of victory at lunch needing just 19.
Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir left on Tuesday for the Chadian capital N’djamena to attend the swearing-in of re-elected President Idriss Déby Itno — after three years of strained relations between their two countries. The two leaders will later leave for Dakar to attend a summit with Senegalese President Abdullay Wade.
July was the most dangerous month for humanitarian workers in Sudan’s Darfur region and afforded the worst access to those in need since conflict began three-and-a-half years ago, aid agencies said on Tuesday. Violence in refugee camps sheltering 2,5-million people in Darfur has rocketed since an unpopular peace deal was signed in May.
The JSE was firmer in noon trade on Tuesday, buoyed by positive world markets. There was very little fresh news to give the bourse direction and all eyes were on the Federal Open Market Committee announcement on United States interest rates due at 8.15pm.
Sri Lanka’s captain Mahela Jayawardene hit an unbeaten 117 to leave the hosts on the doorstep of victory in the second and final cricket Test against South Africa in Colombo on Tuesday. Sri Lanka, facing a stiff victory target of 352, reached 333-6 by lunch on the final day, needing just 19 runs more with four wickets in hand.
The Congress of South African Trade Unions-affiliated Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers’ Union (Sactwu) says it is optimistic that the one outstanding wage negotiation should be settled in the next two weeks. "We are optimistic that the one outstanding negotiation should be resolved in the next two weeks," said Sactwu’s national organising secretary Wayne van der Rheede.
Apple showcased its Leopard operating system, due out next year, to the cheers of software developers gathered for a major conference in San Francisco on Monday. With its trademark theatrical flair, the maker of Macintosh computers and iPod music players demonstrated new Leopard features.
Somalia President Abdullahi Yusuf has told Parliament that the prime minister will name a leaner, better qualified Cabinet to resolve differences in the government and prepare it to counter an armed Islamic fundamentalist group’s bid to take over the country. The current Cabinet will be dissolved.