Are you in the retail industry? Do you want to learn more about how direct-to-consumer businesses work? In the latest bizval webinar, we welcomed two successful entrepreneurs who joined us to talk about their experiences in building Desray and Silvery respectively. Stick around for the vibrant Q&A! You'll find it here>>>

And while we are on direct-to-consumer, our focus in Magic Markets Premium this week is on Crocs! Yes, those hideous shoes actually make money. A lot of money. To learn about possibly the biggest positive surprise we've had from any company we've researched, subscribe to our research for R99/month or R990/year. It gives you access to a l ibrary of around 60 reports and podcasts on global companies. Find us here>>>

Ghost Bites:

• Don't panic if you're a Barloworld shareholder - that huge share price drop is because you now own Zeda shares as well!
• Chris Griffith has stepped down at Gold Fields after the failed Yamana deal
• The listing of Nutritional Holdings is being terminated and I can't help but feel mixed emotions - I'm going to miss the company's signature mix of comedy and tragedy
• Orion Minerals has secured an $87 million funding package from Tri ple Flag Precious Metals Corp
• RMB Holdings released interim results and the share price fell 10%
• Vodacom has closed the deal for a 55% interest in Vodafone Egypt

For these updates and a host of director dealings, read Ghost Bites>>>

The rand isn't on holiday yet

Data releases in 2022 aren't over just yet, with US CPI for November coming out at 7.1% vs. market estimates of 7.3%. That's well down from October's 7.7% number. Although the Fed is still expected to hike rates by 50 basis points today, this is expected to be the last large hike. Mark ets are pricing in a lower Fed terminal rate at 4.8%, down from 5.1%.

The dollar and US bond yields fell sharply in the wake of this data, while equity markets and commodity prices rallied.

The rand had a wild ride, touching R17.75 shortly before the release and eventually closing at R17.26, further boosted by Parliament's decision not to go ahead with President Ramaphosa's impeachment proceedings. Local CPI is due today, with an expectation of a slight moderation to 7.5% from October's 7.6% number.

For a more detailed overview of the lay of the land and some very interesting charts on inflation and the dollar, read the latest article from the team at TreasuryONE>>>

Get those earpho nes out

Have you listened to the latest episode of Ghost Wrap yet? This quickfire podcast brings you news and insights on Spar, Equites, Absa, Italtile, Fortress, Sanlam, mining companies getting hurt by Transnet and more. Ghost Wrap is proudly brought to you by Mazars. Listen to it here>>>

Don't fall behind on Magic Markets! With a new episode due in time for the long weekend, make sure you've listened to Episode 105 as a recap of 2022 with Petri Redelinghuys from Herenya. We talked about energy, banking and even Chinese tech stocks. Enjoy it here>>>

Have a lovely Wednesday!