text: 2018 was a challenging year for investors
  OUT OF THE BOX Pellerade Design House have created a "mansion in the sky" in the luxurious The Houghton golf course development in Johannesburg
  Central Square introduces top shopping that puts the environment first Central Square at Menlyn Maine recently opened in Tshwane, introducing some of SA's most environmentally-friendly, customer-friendly and innovative shopping experiences.
  AUTHOR: Keith Wade, Chief Economist, Schroders
  These factors will continue to influence markets in the year ahead. Here we discuss four "black swans" – events that are plausible but not currently being given much weight by markets. They are the "unknown unknowns". By definition, we cannot anticipate them but we have identified four scenarios that are plausible. We think they are worth consideration.
  This may seem inconceivable given the time and energy currently being poured into sorting a withdrawal agreement. However, 'no Brexit' is the only outcome that will not require a vote (apart from 'no deal'). As MPs have rejected the current deal on offer, and the EU unlikely to concede anything further, there must be a possibility that the government cancels Article 50 and stays in the EU.
  Sadly, there are plenty of hot spots that could ignite in 2019. The proxy war in the Middle East (being fought in Yemen and Syria) could become an actual war between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China has ambitions for Taiwan and across the region. The recent departure of defence secretary James Mattis indicates a more isolationist US, creating opportunities for others to fill the void. If President Trump's dismissal of the UN's function leads to a less co-ordinated international response to territorial skirmishes, Russian ambitions could re-escalate.