In this Special Podcast, Standard Bank Webtrader's Fatima Essop Mohamed takes us through the steps to becoming an investor in global shares. The platform is available to anyone - not just those who have accounts with her bank.

Unit trusts are probably the simplest and easiest way to invest in the stock market whether you are a seasoned investor or just starting out. In the South African context however, there are over a thousand funds to choose from which means that a product which started out as being a solution for investors has actually become more of a problem as the task of which fund to choose has becomes quite complex. Suegnet van der Merwe, investment analyst with Nedgroup Investments explains what you should focus on when investing in unit trusts. - Candice Paine

Former South African media celebrity and columnist Jani Allan talks about the effects on health in mind, body and spirit of nearly 27 years of slut-shaming.

"Tasha" Sideris borrowed from loan sharks and worked punishing hours to get her first store started, proving the point that successful entrepreneurs need 99% perspiration along with 1% inspiration. In this fascinating interview, she tells her story to Biznews.com's Alec Hogg.

Andrew Yeadon, who is head of investments in London for Nedgroup Investments, takes us through his current favourites - and sectors he's avoiding. Taster: He is building up the cash holdings to take advantage of probable opportunities from some areas that he reckons are overheated, but is still keen on opportunities in European equities.

South Africa's National Treasury opened the gates for tax free investing on 1 March 2015. This is possibly the most generous gesture investors have ever received from government as ALL the returns on your money saved, be it interest, dividends or capital gains will be delivered to you free of taxation. It is a shame government hasn't put more effort behind promotingthe really good things they do like this initiative, but industry hasrecognised the opportunity for investors and is spreading the word. In this special podcast Helena Conradie, CEO of low cost index tracker SATRIX speaks to Candice Paine about the ins and outs of these Tax Free Savings Accounts.

As more capital flows into passive investment strategies locally and abroad, inevitably the debate sharpens as to whether passive or active portfolio management is better. As a serious investor, there is merit in applying your mind to the detail of the arguments as many of the sweeping statements around performance compromise, costs, buying-high-selling-low etc are not well founded and certainly need to be unpacked in the face of smartbeta products and the progression of index tracking products. Satrix, South Africa's pioneer in the index tracking space, has always backed both options as having a place in a well structured portfolio. Helena Conradie chats to Candice Paine about why this is and how you could consider combing both active and passive funds in your portfolio.

Futuregrowth manages five fixed interest unit trusts for OldMutual. Each fund serves a very different purpose depending on the needs ofthe investor. Criteria like risk, volatility, duration and securityselection all have an impact on how the portfolio will behave. Candice Painespoke to Michael van Rensburg, portfolio manager with Futuregrowth AssetManagement, to find out when?, why? and how? you distinguish between fixedinterest funds.

What happens in the fixed interest market depends very much on the inflation outlook and the ensuing monetary policy responses. The broad macro outlook as well as political influences play a part too which is why fixed interest managers are always so interesting to talk to in that they pull the "bigger picture" firmly into their decision making. The bond market has been yielding above average real returns which has meant satisfied investors, but the tide may be turning. Wikus Furstenberg, portfolio manager withFuturegrowth Asset Management, tells us how they see the bond market in 2015.

Rational Perspective 8.4.2015 by Biznews.com

From a home where old newspapers were collected for their information value to the formulation of an idea that eventually became the revolutionary Discovery Insure, 38 year old Themba Baloyi is a role model for the New South Africa. An accomplished runner who has a silver medal among his 11 earned thus far, he was recognised by the World Economic Forum when invited to join its prestigious Young Global Leaders programme. In this interview with Alec Hogg of Biznews.com, Themba tells us his remarkable story.

China is a nation in transition. It's trying to move from lowcost, low value-add exports and state-financed construction into a provider of high value industries and services and increased domestic consumption. And with this change comes some inevitable risks borne out of a precarious balancing act between debt, property, a strong currency and global demand (where have we heard this before?). Neal Smith, fund manager at SIM Global explains to us why they still see opportunity in the nation come to be known as the global growth engine.

Some aspects of the 2015 Budget put fear into some hearts. One point in particular remains in flux and we wait to see which way legislation will go. In 2008, the maximum age at which you could contribute to a retirement annuity was removed; and at the same time retirement fund benefits were excluded from the dutiable estate. This meant that you could contribute to an RA as much and for as long as you like and when you pass on, the money goes to the 37C beneficiaries tax free. The minister has noticed this tax loop hole and has plans to close it up. Denver Keswell, senior legal advisor with Nedgroup Investments tells us why this is a problem and what may happen in the future.

US psychiatrist Dr Ann Childers has a special interest in helping her patients improve their mental health through optimum nutrition. She says a low-carb, high-fat diet that includes saturated fat is the way to go for adults and children.

Nedgroup Investments Best of Breed philosophy means that they spend an inordinate amount of time looking for the best portfolio managers in each asset class or across strategies ensuring that their funds are run by superior managers consistently. This process has led them to recently appoint US based The Killen Group as new managers for the Nedgroup Investments Global Cautious Fund. The new appointee has a stellar track record spanning 30 years managing global multi asset class portfolios and will definitely be welcomed into the Best of Breed stable to continue delivering to investor expectations. Listen to Candice Paine speaking to Mathew de Wet around the manager change and who should invest in this fund.

Investigative journalist David Marchant specialises in tracking down fraudsters who use offshore financial centres. The latest and potentially greatest exposé by his OffshoreAlert is the Belvedere Management Ponzi scheme operated out of Mauritius by two South Africans - Cobus Kellermann and David Cosgrove. In this special podcast, Marchant tells Biznews.com's Alec Hogg how he came across the scam, how it operated, why the fraudsters chose Mauritius and the chances of those South Africans who fleeced getting their money back.

Head of ABSA Business Banking, Happy Ralinana, was blessed with the intellect that gave her the ability to matriculate at 15 and, later, an MBA. She learnt about women empowerment first-hand through her bread winning mother who was a taxi driver in the 1970s - as tough and unlikely a job as any lady might find herself doing. In this wide ranging discussion, Happy talks to Biznews.com's Alec Hogg about entrepreneurship, her life, helping empower women, and what might change if Jacob Zuma's successor were female.

Alec Hogg interviews Arnold Fourie, CEO of Pinnacle Technology Holdings Ltd by Biznews.com

Discovery CEO Adrian Gore unpacks how the group will allocate the R5bn raised in its rights issue - only its third capital raising since its creation in 1992. Bringing the 250 000 member Discovery Credit Card "into the belly" of the company will make it possible to leverage it into the 5m total client base. And provide the chassis from which to launch new financial services products.

Jonno Proudfoot – a taste of Real Meal Revolution health benefits to come by Biznews.com

After the well publicised performance travails at Piet Viljoen's RECM, its biggest public supporter Nedgroup Investments has been asked why the continued loyalty. Alec Hogg visited with the man who makes the ultimate decision to retain RECM, Nedgroup Investments chief Nic Andrew. Here's Nic's thoughts on the matter - and the spectacular overall results that have flowed from the its Best of Breed strategy.

Dr Adolph Klenk on how caffeine can prevent hair loss by Biznews.com

The new tax-free investments introduced at the beginning of this month are a "no brainer". As Nedgroup Investments' Anil Jugmohan explains to Alec Hogg in this special podcast, there are obvious reasons why they should be the home of the first R30 000 a year of every South African's savings. Not quite so obvious, though, is the vehicle. Although the out-performance of equities suggests an index tracker is the best choice, Anil argues why a property or even money market fund might be a better option.

One of SA's smartest investment brains, Perpetua's founder and CIO Delphine Govender, shares her thoughts on Budget 2015. While celebrating the effective ending of Exchange Control and introduction of tax free savings account, she's circumspect on other issues. Especially economic growth. Where, she says, solutions are obvious, but a lack of political will and new ideas is condemning SA to labour under structural growth constraints.

Powerful stuff in this Podcast from one of SA's l…