Spar has had a pretty good start to its financial year. However, it was largely due to its international businesses in Ireland and Switzerland, as well as reduced losses at its newer operation in Poland. Back home, the government's ban on tobacco and alcohol sales for large parts of the lockdown continue to be felt. While the tobacco ban was lifted ages ago, Spar says cigarette sales just haven't recovered.

The wholesale and distribution group's results were well telegraphed to the market, resulting in only a modest rise in its share price yesterday. Coronation Fund Managers' shares rose on the back of its interim results, with its performance benefitting from the sharp recovery in equity markets after the steep decline in March 2020. It says it has also outperformed across its key mandates.

Investment group Reinet's shares also rose on the back of its full-year numbers, which show a rise in its net asset value and a 32% increase in its dividend.

More on those stories to follow, along with annual results from Datatec - which has resumed dividend payments - and interims from Reunert.

I hope you have a good day.

Stephen Gunnion

Managing Editor, InceConnect