Clients are briefed on the economy

WHITE RIVER – MRA Wealth (Pty) Ltd recently invited existing and prospective clients to join them for a presentation on estate planning and to get an update on the current economic climate.

More than 50 people met at Bundu Lodge. The director of MRA Wealth, Mr Vernon Cresswell welcomed the guests and gave a short introduction of what the company offered its clients.

MRA Wealth is a joint venture between MRA Brokers and SP Wealth, a wealth advisory business based in Johannesburg. The two offer existing and new MRA clients a more comprehensive wealth, investment and insurance package in the province.

Mr Mark Greeff, managing director of MRA Wealth, opened the event and introduced the presenters. The first speaker was Mr Gordon Stuart, chief operating officer of Sentinel International Trust Company.

Gordon spoke about the Davis Tax Committee and the recently proposed changes to trusts and the tax pertaining thereto. The discussion was highly informative and highlighted the advantages that trusts could and did create for clients.

The committee’s objective was to assess South Africa’s tax policy framework and its role in supporting the objectives of inclusive growth, employment, development and fiscal sustainability.

The attendants discussed the importance of investments and how one should invest to get good returns in the future.

According to Gordon, not all investments have good returns. He added that potential investors should look at the economic trends in order for them to take decisive steps. An in-depth market overview as well as economic update was given by Ms Sarah van Tischelen, a business development manager at Stanlib.

Van Tischelen shared her thoughts on the challenging political and economic conditions experienced in 2015 and what the year ahead had in store for investors.

“Due to the drought and slow economic growth, investors could face a tough period, and we should all brace ourselves for a challenging financial year,” she said.