South Africa’s investment landscape experienced a significant rebound in the second quarter of 2026, with collective investment schemes (CIS) attracting R63.6 billion in net inflows. This marks a recovery from the previous quarter’s decline and brings total assets under management to R4.6 trillion by the end of June, according to Asisa data.

The surge in investment signals renewed confidence among investors in the local market, despite ongoing economic challenges. The data highlights a shift in investor sentiment toward long-term strategies, with a focus on domestic portfolios. This trend comes amid broader discussions about the country’s economic recovery and the role of private sector growth.

While the CIS industry shows promise, other sectors face contrasting realities. For example, CNA, a long-standing stationery retailer, continues to struggle with insolvency and ownership disputes, despite being repeatedly named as one of the “coolest” stores by South African youth.

The contrast between these two narratives underscores the diverse economic landscape in South Africa, where some sectors thrive while others face persistent challenges.