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Partnership and trust
Capital Markets Education

Lime Capital

Learn how capital markets work. Understand unit trusts, compare fund performance, and protect your legacy — from your first ETF to estate planning.

Public Market Investing
Investing 101

How to start investing.

A beginner's guide to building wealth through unit trusts and ETFs — the two most accessible investment vehicles in South Africa.

What is a Unit Trust?

A unit trust pools money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of assets. Professional fund managers make the investment decisions. You buy “units” which represent your share of the fund. Minimum investments can be as low as R500/month.

  • Professionally managed
  • Diversified across assets
  • Regulated by FSCA

What is an ETF?

An Exchange-Traded Fund trades on the stock exchange like a share. It tracks an index (like the JSE Top 40 or S&P 500) and offers instant diversification at very low cost. You can buy ETFs through any stockbroker or investment platform.

  • Low fees (TER often under 0.15%)
  • Trades like a share on the JSE
  • Instant diversification

Key Concepts

Compound Interest

Earning returns on your returns. The earlier you start, the more powerful it becomes.

Diversification

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread across asset classes, sectors, and geographies.

Time in Market

Staying invested through ups and downs beats trying to time the market. Think decades, not days.

Fund Performance

How SA's top funds stack up.

If you had invested R10,000 ten years ago, here's what it would be worth today across four of the most-watched investment vehicles in South Africa.

Growth of R10,000

10-year period · Illustrative data through Dec 2024

Swipe to compare
R10K start
Inflation · R16.6K5.2% avg CPI
R18.2K+82%
Allan Gray
AG Money Mkt
R22.6K+126%
JSE
JSE Top 40
R23.2K+132%
Coronation
Coronation Balanced Plus
R24.1K+141%
Allan Gray
Allan Gray Balanced
R54.0K+440%
S&P Global
S&P 500
Starting investment
Inflation (purchasing power loss)
Erosion zone

Returns are approximate annualized figures. S&P 500 in ZAR includes currency movement. Inflation based on ~5.2% avg SA CPI over 10 years.

Why This Matters

The Time Value of Money

A Rand today is worth more than a Rand tomorrow. That's not a saying — it's a financial principle. Because of inflation, money loses purchasing power over time. The R10,000 you hold today will buy less next year, and significantly less in a decade.

In South Africa, inflation has averaged roughly 5.2% per year over the past decade. That means your R10,000 would need to grow to at least ~R16,500just to buy the same basket of goods it buys today. Anything below that line and you've actually lost real wealth — even if the number in your account went up.

This is why investment returns should always be measured against inflation, not against zero. A savings account paying 4% sounds positive — until you realise inflation is running at 5%. Your money grew, but your purchasing power shrank. That's the difference between a nominal return (the number) and a real return (what you can actually buy).

The Inflation Test

Did your investment beat inflation?

You investedR10,000
Inflation over 10 yrs+65%
Break-even targetR16,500

Real return verdict

Allan Gray
AG Money Mkt
+16% real
JSE
JSE Top 40
+60% real
Coronation
Coronation Balanced Plus
+66% real
Allan Gray
Allan Gray Balanced
+75% real
S&P Global
S&P 500
+374% real

The bottom line

If your investment isn't beating inflation, you're not growing wealth — you're slowly losing it. The red inflation line on the chart above is your real benchmark. Everything below it is a loss in disguise. Everything above it is genuine wealth creation.

Annualized Returns Comparison

Fund / Index1 Year3 Year5 Year10 Year
Allan Gray
AG Money MktMoney Market
8.4%7%6.3%6.2%
JSE
JSE Top 40Equity Index
9.8%9.5%10.1%8.5%
Coronation
Coronation Balanced PlusMulti-Asset High Equity
15.1%11.2%9.8%8.8%
Allan Gray
Allan Gray BalancedMulti-Asset High Equity
14.2%11.8%9.6%9.2%
S&P Global
S&P 500Equity Index (USD→ZAR)
32.4%16.8%17.2%18.4%
Allan Gray

Allan Gray Money Market Fund

Allan Gray

SA’s most recognised money market fund. Capital preservation with returns that track interest rates. Near-zero risk of losing money — the benchmark for “do nothing” investing.

10-Year Return6.2% p.a.
R10K BecameR18,200
TER / Cost~0.30%
Min InvestmentR100,000 lump sum / R2,500 debit order
Risk LevelLow
InceptionJuly 2001
JSE

FTSE/JSE Top 40

JSE

The 40 largest companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange by market cap. Accessible through low-cost ETFs like the Satrix Top 40.

10-Year Return8.5% p.a.
R10K BecameR22,600
TER / Cost~0.10% (via ETF)
Min InvestmentFrom ~R500 via Satrix Top 40 ETF
Risk LevelHigh
InceptionN/A (Index)
Coronation

Coronation Balanced Plus

Coronation

A flagship South African balanced fund with one of the longest track records. Widely held in retirement funds and retail portfolios alike.

10-Year Return8.8% p.a.
R10K BecameR23,200
TER / Cost~1.58%
Min InvestmentR5,000 lump sum / R500 debit order
Risk LevelMedium-High
InceptionApril 1996
Allan Gray

Allan Gray Balanced Fund

Allan Gray

One of SA’s largest and most trusted balanced funds. Known for a contrarian, value-oriented investment style and long-term consistency.

10-Year Return9.2% p.a.
R10K BecameR24,100
TER / Cost~1.62%
Min InvestmentR50,000 lump sum / R2,500 debit order
Risk LevelMedium-High
InceptionOctober 1999
S&P Global

S&P 500 (in ZAR)

S&P Global

The 500 largest US-listed companies. In Rand terms, returns include both index growth and currency movement — the Rand weakened significantly over 10 years.

10-Year Return18.4% p.a.
R10K BecameR54,000
TER / Cost~0.07% (via ETF)
Min InvestmentFrom ~R500 via Satrix S&P 500 ETF
Risk LevelHigh
InceptionN/A (Index)

Important Disclaimer

All performance data shown is illustrative and based on approximate historical returns. Past performance is not indicative of future results. These figures are for educational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Always consult an authorised financial adviser before making investment decisions. Verify current data on the official fund fact sheets linked above. #ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice

Home Loan Accelerator
Home Loan Accelerator

Pay your home loan off years earlier.

Run your home loan through the accelerator. Try an extra monthly contribution and watch the payoff term shorten — and how much interest you save by doing it.

Step 01 — your home loan

What does your home loan look like?

Loan amountprincipal
R
Interest rateannual %
%
Loan termyears
yrs
Property value (rates & taxes est.)est. R1 283/mo
R
Extra monthly contribution0% of base
Beyond the minimumR0
Net monthly contribution
Minimum repaymentR19 196
Your extra contribution+ R0
On-target monthly paymentR19 196

Pays the home loan off in the original 20 years.

Step 02 — what changes

Your repayment, accelerated.

New payoff period
20.0yrs
Add an extra contribution to see savings
Time saved
0 mo
Interest saved
R0
Total interest
R2 806 976
Total paid
R4 606 976
First-month interest
R17 250
Effective rate
11.50%

Balance over time

Minimum
With extra
Payoff point
R0R450kR900kR1.35MR1.80M0y5y10y15y20ymin · 20.0 yrs

Estimates only. Rates & taxes assume ~0.7% of property value per year. Your actual home loan instalment depends on your bank’s offer, life cover, and any structured fees. Use this as a guide for what extra contributions could unlock, not as a binding quote.

EasyEquitiesPlatform Data

Where people like you
are investing.

Real investment behaviour from 2.6 million South Africans on EasyEquities — what they buy, how they allocate, and what the top performers do differently. Data sourced from Purple Group (JSE: PPE) public filings and reports.

2.6M

Registered investors

R80.7B

Assets on platform

30

Median age

R5.2K

Avg half-year inflow

Top 10 Most-Held Investments

By portfolio weight across all EasyEquities accounts

01
Nvidia
Nvidia
USTech3.00%
02
Tesla
Tesla
USTech3.00%
03
Sasol
Sasol
JSEEnergy2.45%
04
Purple Group
Purple Group
JSEFintech1.88%
05
Capitec Bank
Capitec Bank
JSEBanking1.65%
06
Apple
Apple
USTech1.39%
07
Naspers
Naspers
JSETech1.23%
08
Microsoft
Microsoft
USTech1.22%
09
Alphabet
Alphabet
USTech0.74%
10
Shoprite
Shoprite
JSERetail~0.7%

How They Allocate

Platform-wide asset split

53%
42%
Stocks 53%
ETFs 42%
Crypto 5%

Most-Bought ETFs

Jan–Jun 2024 by value purchased

1
Satrix S&P 500

Satrix S&P 500

7yr People's Choice
R1.12B
2
Satrix Nasdaq 100

Satrix Nasdaq 100

R471M
3
Satrix Top 40

Satrix Top 40

SA benchmark
R352M
Top 1% of Investors

The best-performing accounts allocate 59% to ETFs and 75% hold tax-free savings accounts— primarily invested in S&P 500 trackers.

ETFs 59%Equities 20%Cash 7%Crypto 6%

~40%

of holdings are in tech

Nvidia, Tesla, Apple, and Naspers dominate retail portfolios.

75%

of top performers hold TFSAs

The best-performing 1% invest primarily via tax-free savings accounts.

42%

female investors

Closing the gender gap — up from traditional industry averages of ~25%.

56%

joined via referral

Word of mouth drives more signups than any marketing campaign.

EasyEquities·JSE

Source: Purple Group (JSE: PPE) FY2025 annual results, EasyEquities blog, Moneyweb, Daily Investor. Data reflects platform-wide trends and is for educational context only.

Getting Started

01

Step 01

Choose a platform

Easy Equities, Satrix, Allan Gray, Coronation. Most let you start with as little as R500.

02

Step 02

FICA & verify

Complete KYC/FICA with your ID and proof of address. Usually done online in minutes.

03

Step 03

Pick your vehicle

Unit trust for managed investing, ETF for low-cost index tracking. Start with what matches your risk appetite.

04

Step 04

Set up a debit order

Consistency beats timing. Set up a monthly debit order and let compound interest do the work.

Alternative Investments
Angel Investment Syndicate
Higher Risk

Invest in Startups. Together.

For young professionals with a higher risk appetite — pool your capital with 4 others and invest in early-stage startups through our angel network.

5 Investors

R10,000 each

=

R50,000

Combined angel round investment

Meets minimum check size

How It Works

01

Express Interest

Register your interest in joining an angel syndicate. No commitment required.

02

Get Matched

We match you with 4 other investors to form a 5-person syndicate.

03

Review Deals

Your syndicate reviews pre-vetted startup opportunities from our angel network.

04

Invest Together

Each member contributes R10,000 for a combined R50,000 angel round investment.

Access Angel Deals

Get into startup rounds typically reserved for investors with R50K+ minimums.

Shared Due Diligence

Five perspectives are better than one. Evaluate deals as a group with diverse expertise.

Portfolio Approach

Spread your risk across multiple startups instead of concentrating on a single bet.

Guided by Experience

Led by an active angel investor with direct access to SA’s startup ecosystem.

Limited to 30 founding syndicate members

Ready to back the next generation of African startups?

Express your interest below. No commitment — we'll reach out with details on upcoming deals and how syndicates are structured.

#ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice · Angel investing carries significant risk including loss of capital.

Prefer Lower Risk?

Lower Risk

Explore the Lehumo Community Trust

Not ready for angel investing? Lehumo pools community capital into regulated, diversified investment vehicles — from as little as your monthly contribution. No minimum check size needed.

Learn More
Wills & Estate Planning
Protect Your Legacy

Why every adult needs
a valid Will.

A Will is a legally binding document that lets you choose who inherits your assets, who looks after your children, and who manages your estate when you're no longer here. Without one, the law decides for you.

Did you know?

If you die without a Will in South Africa, your estate is distributed under the Intestate Succession Act — your partner, children, or family may not receive what you intended.

You choose who inherits

Without a Will, your estate is distributed according to the Intestate Succession Act — which may not reflect your wishes at all.

Protect your children

Nominate a legal guardian for your minor children. Without one, the court decides — and the process can take months.

Appoint your executor

Choose a trusted person or firm to manage your estate. Otherwise, the Master of the High Court appoints one for you.

Minimise disputes & delays

A valid Will speeds up the administration process and reduces the chance of costly legal disputes between family members.

How It Works

Draft your Will in 4 simple steps.

Powered by our partnership with Simelane Attorneys Inc (PSA Law) — professional, affordable, and fully compliant with South African law.

Step 01

Consultation

A 30-minute session with PSA Law to understand your assets, dependants, and wishes. In-person at their Bryanston offices or virtual.

Step 02

Will Drafting

Your Will is drafted by a qualified attorney — legally compliant, clear, and tailored to your specific situation.

Step 03

Review & Sign

You review the draft, request changes if needed, then sign in the presence of two competent witnesses (14+ years old).

Step 04

Safekeeping

Your signed Will is stored securely. You receive a copy and can request a free annual update to keep it current.

PSA Law
Exclusive Package

Comprehensive Estate Planning

Will drafting + estate advisory — one package, one price

R2,500

once-off · incl. VAT

What's Included

30-minute estate planning consultation
Professionally drafted Will by a qualified attorney
Review of assets, dependants & beneficiaries
Executor nomination & guidance
Guardianship provisions for minor children
Secure Will safekeeping with PSA Law
One free annual Will update
Digital copy for your records

Available in-person at PSA Law's Bryanston offices or virtually via video call. Sessions by appointment.

After You're Gone

What happens to
your estate?

Estate administration is the legal process of winding up your affairs after death. A valid Will with a nominated executor makes this process significantly faster, cheaper, and less stressful for your loved ones.

PSA Law — Simelane Attorneys Inc

Professional estate administration handled end-to-end — from reporting to final distribution. Your family won't have to navigate the legal process alone.

1

Reporting

Death is reported, documents gathered, and the estate is lodged with the Master of the High Court.

2

Executor Appointed

The nominated executor receives Letters of Executorship and notifies creditors.

3

Liquidation

Debts are settled, tax returns filed, and a Liquidation & Distribution account is prepared.

4

Distribution

Assets are transferred and inheritance paid out to beneficiaries as directed by the Will.

PSA Law — Simelane Attorneys Inc
Legal Partner

Simelane Attorneys Inc

A 100% black-owned boutique law firm based in Bryanston, Sandton. We've partnered with PSA Law to offer professional Will drafting and estate planning services — qualified, experienced, and committed to making this process accessible for every South African.

  • Professionally drafted Wills
  • Secure document safekeeping
  • Full estate administration
  • Annual Will review & updates
Ready to Learn More?

Knowledge is the first
investment.

Whether you're buying your first ETF or planning your estate — we help you understand what you're getting into before you commit your capital.

#ThisIsNotFinancialAdvice · All content is for educational purposes only