Into the Future Chief executive John Beck is leading Usko into a brave new era. Skills Transfer Bertie loots advocates that the private sector second people to government. David Bullard No such thing as a free wooden lizard in the business forest Stephen Mulholland Individual pursuit of profit is the true creator of jobs Audit Bureau of Circulation print Media Association

Sunday: 1 March, 1998 Rumours fuel financials frenzy MARCIA KLEIN RUMOURS of mergers, take-overs and looming interest rate cuts caused a frenzy on the financial index this week, with shares touching record highs and reaching astronomical price:earnings ratios. But analysts warn the financial index looks overheated, indicating there could be a correction around the corner. Direct selling drives a wedge into local financial services LUCIENNE FILD Local asset management companies and life assurers are at last joining the global trend by setting up and expanding direct selling operations. They aim to make it more convenient and cheaper for you to buy their products. But brokers are unhappy at what they claim is insufficient advice to clients buying investment products over the phone. Money Guides Loving and leaving? Confused by the twists and turns of vehicle financing? Visit our new Money Guides section on vehicle - Motor Guide. Here you'll find resources, advice and downloads on every aspect, from financing to tax tips. Emigration is right up there with life's biggest stresses. But while South Africa's foreign exchange control regulations don't make life easier for those leaving, careful financial planning will. Get our quick guide on getting through the ins and outs of emigration. Times Media Limited disclaims all liability for any loss, damage, injury or expense however caused, arising from the use of or reliance upon, in any manner, the information provided through this service and does not warrant the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. © Times Media Ltd, 1996-1997 Full Site Index 'Fundamentalist' Stals may have overstepped mark THE WEEK AHEAD No way around it, 1997 was a disaster Four profiles of the perfect chairman BUSINESS ROUNDUP Gold set for a major shake-up M-Net share scheme on COMPANY ROUNDUP Aegis under Guardian's wing Rumours fuel financials frenzy Cape looks good with the sun in Capricorn Dragnet of economic slowdown catches Pep Yorkcor adds its weight to Safcol privatisation Still a hidden hand in Gauteng's house of cards Hardware to software gives Usko leading edge More pieces for gold's never-ending jigsaw puzzle Largest securities firm in Hardest role yet for SA theatres Financials give JSE a leg up but golds make the final running Back to waiting - for anything and everything Direct selling drives a wedge into local financial services Get your stuff revalued for accurate premiums If you divorce, make sure you change that will Use indices to wisen up your investment decisions Big banks fail to lower mortgage bond rates UNIT TRUSTS:Investec High Income Fund Outsmarting the taxman on company cars and allowances Negotiating the twists and turns of vehicle financing Ways of staying on top in your golden years Russia funds the tigers of emerging markets How to get through the ins and outs of emigration Drive a hard tax bargain Get your stuff revalued for accurate premiums Counting the cost of skill shortages in public sector Cyber thieves under fire Software pirates pay up as industry strikes back Know-how that's for know-alls, too Souped-up phone rings in the Internet How to look past the sell-by date Feeble mutant is a little lame Why young surfers need Net nurses Sony has the games business in hand People on the Move People on the Move People on the Move People on the Move Surveys At A Glance Private equity market booms Finding a solution with BFS Capital Battle lines drawn in fight for market share Mercantile cash in by targeting mid-market New giant flexes its muscles Merrill Lynch takes lead in offshore equity deals Capital, AMB opt for organic growth Absa adopts aggressive new stance Overseas links are vital, says BOE SCMB opts for the full-service route No such thing as a free wooden lizard in the business forest Individual pursuit of profit is the true creator of jobs BRIEFCASE 'Being of noble stock, he revels in domestic work. He doesn't have to do it, he chooses to'

Tanya Accone