Where to from here?

Good morning Voornaam,

Quick links:

  • Purple Group reported earnings and they show great improvement in key metrics. Also look out for numbers from Afrimat, along with updates from Lighthouse, Ninety One and Trustco. Get these updates and more in Ghost Bites, brought to you by Fedgroup.

  • Iman Rappetti is in conversation with Barry Shamley, Zane Bezuidenhout, Boipelo Rabothata and Campbell Perry in Episode 4 of The Current, discussing investment opportunities stemming from South Africa's energy transition. Brought to you by Investeclisten to it here>>>

  • ​Fedgroup believes that there is always an alternative in the market. Does incorporating alternatives into your portfolio make sense? Get their views in this entertaining article>>>

  • There's a brand new episode of the Magic Markets podcast, this time featuring Harry Scherzer of Future Forex. A familiar voice to listeners, Harry explains why South Africans shouldn't allow their R11 million annual offshore allowances to ever go to waste. Learn more here>>>

  • Artificial, or Artificial Intelligence? AI is dominating headlines everywhere, which means opportunities and risks. Nico Katzke of Satrix joined me on the latest Ghost Stories podcast to discuss this. Find it here>>>

Events:

  • Bell Equipment is up next on Unlock the Stock on Thursday this week. Put on your analyst hat and sign up to attend the event where you can pose your questions to the team. Attendance is free but you must register here>>>

READ: There is always an alternative...
(by Fedgroup)

Should you think about incorporating alternative assets into your portfolio mix?

In this entertaining and insightful article, Fedgroup share their views on this asset class.

LISTEN: Ghost Wrap - the M&A edition

Get the latest on four recent examples of M&A on the local market: MultiChoice, Grindrod Shipping, MC Mining and Sanlam.

Thanks to Mazars, it's all in this podcast>>>

READ: Nobody wants to buy alligator pears
(by Dominique Olivier)

Dominique Olivier's latest column in Ghost Mail is about the alligator pear - or, as we know it today, the avocado.

Here's the story of how the Super Bowl contributed to the rebrand and popularity of this err... fruit. Berry, in fact.

LISTEN: Artificial, or Artificial Intelligence?
(with Nico Katzke of Satrix)

Artificial Intelligence (or AI) is all over the headlines. Like with any hype trade, that's both an opportunity and a risk.

To bring some clarity to what this is and what this isn't, Nico Katzke of Satrix joined me on Ghost Stories. You'll really enjoy this podcast>>>


Local company news:


Ghost Bites is brought to you by Fedgroup.

Purple Group has swung into profitability and for all the right reasons. The introduction of monthly fees in EasyEquities has made a huge difference to the numbers, particularly alongside ongoing client growth and net inflows from retail clients. This is an encouraging update.

Over at Afrimat, there's also a great story to tell, with HEPS expected to be up by between 21% and 26%.

At Lighthouse Properties, the company is getting the steps in place to sell more Hammerson shares, allowing Lighthouse to take advantage of yield-accretive direct property deals in the market.

Also look out for updates from Ninety One (latest AUM figures) and Trustco regarding a potential investment by the Riskovitz Value Fund.

Get the details in Ghost Bites at this link>>>

LISTEN AND READ: The Investec Nikkei 225 Autocall
with Brian McMillan of Investec

Brian McMillan of Structured Products at Investec talked to me about the Investec Nikkei 225 Autocall.

It offers exposure to the Nikkei 225 index over a period of up to five years with an enhanced return of up to 17% per annum in ZAR or 11.5% per annum in USD. Importantly, there is 100% capital protection provided the index does not drop by more than 30%.

Listen to this podcast to find out more. Alternatively, you can read this article about the product.

LISTEN: Magic Markets podcast

In Episode 170 of Magic Markets, Harry Scherzer of Future Forex returned to the platform to update us on the crypto arbitrage opportunity and how it boosts portfolio returns.

This is a very clever way to make sure that your total annual offshore investment allowance of R11 million doesn't go to wasteListen to the show here>>>


International company news:


Banking season continues in the US, with headlines looking promising among the banks that are stronger in advisory, wealth and markets. For example, Morgan Stanley grew profits by 14% off revenue growth of just 4%, with the juiciest parts of the business (like investment banking) doing particularly well. This helped earnings per share come in well above expectations.

Bank of America saw profits fall by 18% if a $700 million FDIC assessment is included in the numbers. Even before any adjustments, it wasn't the greatest top-line performance, with net interest income down year-on-year. Deposits and loans were flat and this disappointed some analysts.

My thesis remains: in the US, the banks I want to own over the long-term are the ones you'll recognise first on Wall Street. Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan are my primary fighters.

Our latest show in Magic Markets Premium is a detailed recap on Disney, which drove me to sell my shares after the recent rally. Why is that? Subscribers find out by accessing our entire research library for just R99/month. It pays to know what's going on out there - literally.

 

Macroeconomic Update

The higher-for-longer situation around interest rates is being boosted by Jerome Powell's recent comments on resilience of economic growth, the slowdown in inflation reduction and the expectation that it will take longer to be confident that inflation is on target. The two-year yield has been pushed past 5% and the dollar has been supported by this outlook.

High GDP expectations in the US also point to the possibility of rates not being cut this year, which isn't a good environment for most stocks. Further data releases (like upcoming PCE) will be crucial for the rate outlook.

Gold has been largely unchanged as its safe-haven status shines through. PGMs were weaker yesterday, while Brent Crude has dipped below $90.

Key indicators: USD/ZAR R19.04; US 10-year 4.66%; Gold $2,381; Platinum ZAR R18,116; Brent Crude $89.55

This macroeconomic update is based on TreasuryONE's morning update.

READ: Dive into your DIY investing adventure
(by Duma Mxenge of Satrix)

Yes, you can take investing into your own hands - you just need a sensible approach to it. 

In this excellent article, Duma Mxenge gives sensible, easy-to-follow tips on how to get more involved in your wealth creation journey.

You should expect us in your inbox Monday – Friday. If you don’t receive an email, please check your spam, or junk folder and “move us” into your primary inbox to ensure you get it each morning.



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