WorldWide Markets with Simon Brown

🇺🇸 US Inflation – Numbers come in softer than expected 📊, fuelling hopes for a **September rate cut** from the Fed 🏦. ⛽ Sasol trading update – PE under 3 😮, H2 profits looking stronger, and the market loving it (+9.7% 🚀). 💰 Share buybacks – Why US companies love them, the tax angle, and Apple's massive \$100bn spree 🍏. Apple out standing shares 🪙 Gold & the Resi10 index – Resource stocks roaring in 2024, +72.5% YTD 🤯, but will gold break out of its range? Gold Weekly | 12 August 2025 🇨🇳 China trade surplus – Despite tariffs & tensions, it hits a record \$1.2 trillion 📦. 🖥️ Trump vs. Nvidia & AMD – AI chip sales to China now taxed at 15%, and Beijing warns against buying certain models 🤖. 📊 Tool – Just One Lap's ETF Database is live! Filter by issuer, classification, tax-free status, and even search top holdings 🔍. Powered by Standard Bank & Shyft – the global money app for travel, shopping, payments & investments 🌍. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🎙️ Worldwide Markets – Episode 642 📅 Recorded: Tuesday, 5 August 💼 Host: Simon Brown 🌍 Powered by Standard Bank Shyft – The global money app for travel, shopping, payments & investing. 🔮 Market Highlights 📈 Purple Group* rocks 🚀 Share price has more than doubled since April lows. 🧾 PE at 56, but strong growth potential and product expansion. 💼 Simon holds the stock — bought low, holding for the long term. 🏦 MPC shifts inflation target 🎯 🔽 New anchor at 3%, down from 4.5%. ⚠️ Finance Minister pushes back — governance concerns. 💸 Lower inflation = lower raises = better expectations management. 🧨 Flip side: high real interest rates hurt growth & jobs. 🚗 Vehicle sales boom 📊 July sales >51,000 units — highest since 2019! 🛻 Light commercial vehicles dominate, Mahindra sneaks into Top 10. 💰 CMH* shines with low PE and high dividend — Simon holds. 📉 Motus also cheap, but Simon prefers CMH. 🪙 Gold miners printing money ✨ AngloGold Ashanti*: 🚜 Production +21% 💰 Free cash flow +149% 📉 Net debt down 92% 💵 80c dividend 💹 Targeting R1,000/share — already at R972! ✨ Gold Fields also up ~150% YoY on earnings. 🧾 US Bureau of Labor Statistics drama 🇺🇸 🔥 Trump fires BLS head after unfavourable jobs data. ❗ Undermines trust in data — risks U.S. credibility. 🌎 Bad precedent: Greece, Argentina, China have all suffered from politicised stats. 🍊 Tariffs impact SA agriculture 🇺🇸 U.S. tariffs on citrus & grapes kick in Thursday. 📉 Sector exposure: ~10% — not massive but not zero. 👨‍🌾 Some farmers and related stocks (e.g. Mpact) will take a hit. 🧠 Random Insights 🪙 Crypto in Parliament? 🇿🇦 Of 490 South African parliamentarians… only 2 declared owning crypto. 🤷‍♂️ No surprise crypto isn't getting policy attention. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🔺 Tariffs Incoming 🇿🇦 SA faces 30% US tariffs starting Friday. 🚗 Auto industry, 🍊 citrus, 🚚 logistics & 🧪 fertilizer sectors (like Omnia, Kaap Agri, Impact) to feel the heat — but no fatal blows expected. 📉 MPC Policy Misfire? 💰 SA inflation at 3%, but rates still stuck at 10.75%. 📉 Is the MPC behind the curve? Simon says: Yes. 📉 Calls for a rate cut of at least 0.5% to 1%. SA CPI and Prime | 29 July 2025 🥇 Why Hasn't the SARB Bought Gold in 20 Years? 📊 From 2005 to 2025: only ±48,000 ounces added. 📉 Gold outperformed the USD by a wide margin (680% vs 171%) over 20 years. 🤔 Why the gold aversion? Simon wants answers. 📈 Structured Product Spotlight 💼 New Standard Bank product: ✔️ 100% capital guarantee ✔️ 1.8x upside gearing ✔️ MSCI World Index exposure 📆 3.5 year duration, paid out in ETFs 💸 Min R25k. Closes in Sept. 🚘 Chinese Cars Disrupting the Market 🇨🇳 Omoda CX5 & CS9 – slick, affordable, feature-packed 💡 Screens bigger than laptops, prices lower than rivals ⚠️ Toyota, Ford, VW: Time to worry? 💊 Big Pharma Blunder 🤦‍♂️ Novo Nordisk loses Canadian patent by forgetting to pay a $250 fee 📉 Generics incoming. Massive oops. 🔍 Alphabet Results 💹 Stock up 15% since Simon's last mention 💰 $95bn cash, low debt ⚖️ Facing antitrust heat – rulings incoming 📉 Possible price dip = buying opportunity? 📢 Next week: Who owns what in Parliament? Crypto, shares, surprises await… 🧠 Hosted by Simon Brown 💳 Powered by Standard Bank & Shyft – the global money app for smart travellers & investors

🌍 This week on Worldwide Markets, Simon dives into a packed show covering inflation, earnings, property deals, and opportunities in local stocks. Powered by Standard Bank Global Markets and Shyft — your gateway to global investing. 🌐💸 📉 Inflation Target Cut – A Bad Idea? • SA may shift to a 3% inflation target 📊 • Risks of higher interest rates 😬 • Real rates already sky-high 🚀 💵 Weaker US Dollar & Tech Gains • Trump's weaker dollar policy in motion 🇺🇸📉 • MAG7 & Nasdaq benefit: 49%+ offshore revenue 🖥️🌐 • S&P 500 and Russell 2000 lag 🏢 Sibanye-Stillwater* Diversifies • Buys US recycling business ♻️ • Adds silver, copper, and skills 🪙🔧 • Expands beyond PGMs and gold 🪙 Voltara & PGMs Running Hot • Valterra Platinum update reflects flood damage & weak past PGM prices 🌊 • But platinum & palladium now breaking resistance levels 📈🔥 🏬 Hyprop's Bid for MAS PLC • Cash or shares deal (R24 or Hyprop stock) 💰 • Hyprop focuses on Western Cape & Eastern Europe 🏖️🌍 • Deal may not be in MAS shareholders' best interest ❓ 🪨 Afrimat: Value at R45? • Price on long-term support line 📉🧱 • Concerns: iron ore, Lafarge deal, site near Mozambique 🇲🇿 • Van Heerden's track record solid 💼💪 • Forward PE ~11, below decade mean 🔍 🧪 New ETF Database (Beta) • Search by issuer, classification, TER & more 🔍📊 • Explore at justonelap.com/etfdatabase 🧱📂 • Feedback welcome! 📜 SA Budget Drama • Multi-party politics = budget complexity 🧠 • Education budget almost derailed ❗ Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🎙 This Week in Markets: US inflation ticks higher 📈, putting pressure on rate cuts. Powell's in no rush. Local rates also due end-July. 🏘 China Housing Trouble: 3 years of negative home price growth in China 🇨🇳. Citizens frustrated as property values slide. Evergrande and other ghosts still haunt. Chinese Home prices Year-on-Year | June 2025 🚀 Elon Watch: Musk injects $2B into XAI 🤖. Deck chairs shuffled? Investors seem to approve. 🔩 PGMs Shine: Platinum and palladium break higher ⚪, supported by tightening supply. Miners like Sibanye*, Implats, and Northam bask in the glow. 💻 Nvidia Milestone: First $4 trillion company 🤯. AI + autonomous driving = future. Trump eases chip restrictions. 📦 Copper Tariffs: Trump proposes 50% import tariffs on copper 🔧. Could spark domestic production—or not. 📉 Gold & Oil: Gold drifts within range 🪙. Oil facing resistance again 🛢, needs a breakout above $77 to excite bulls. ₿ Bitcoin Treasury Companies: Why buy MicroStrategy at a premium when you can just buy Bitcoin? 🤷‍♂️ Financial engineering vs. logic. 📊 Strategy (ex-MicroStrategy) holds 600,000+ BTC. 🇿🇦 Altvest has one BTC—also in the mix. 🏛 Crypto Legislation: US considers classifying crypto as a commodity 🪙, stablecoins gaining traction. It's Bitcoin Week at the White House. 🇺🇸 💸 ZAR & Tariffs: Rand weakened after US slaps 30% tariffs on SA imports ⚠️. Trump's unpredictability rattles markets. 🧠 Coming Soon on Power Hour: 📅 August: Moxima Gama on advanced charting 📅 November: Keillen Ndlovu on REITs (local & offshore) 🧭 Powered by Standard Bank Global Markets and Shift, the global money app 💳 🌍 Travel | 💱 Forex | 🛒 Spend | 📈 Invest — All in your hand. 🎧 Leave a rating and review — every bit helps! 📢 Back next week with more market insights. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Simon's on holiday in sunny Durban 🌞 but couldn't resist diving into what might be Trump's grand economic plan. On the surface, it's tariffs, spending cuts and tax breaks—but is there real strategy underneath the chaos? 🔹 Trump's Big Idea: Use tariffs to raise revenue and onshore manufacturing 🏭 🔹 Debt Drama: US debt now > $30 trillion 😬 🔹 Tariffs Everywhere: South Africa slapped with 30%—and so is everyone else 🌍 🔹 Reshoring & Inflation: Could higher costs push inflation up again? 💸🔥 🔹 No Deals Signed: 90 deals in 90 days? 0 delivered 🤷‍♂️ 🔹 Foreign Policy Fallout: NATO, Mexico, Canada—strained relationships 🌐💥 🔹 Cut Spending: USAID, EV subsidies, and soft power eroded 🚫🌱 🔹 Regulation Rollback: Less red tape, but also less consumer/environmental protection 🧾♻️ 🔹 Crypto & Energy: Deregulate crypto, cozy up to OPEC for cheap oil ⛽🪙 🔹 Mar-a-Lago Accord?: A currency + Treasury buying pact that needs allies—who aren't coming 🤝❌ 🔹 Immigration & Performance Politics: Headlines vs. actual impact 🛂📺 💬 There's a thread of logic, but execution has been clumsy at best. Allies alienated, deals undelivered. The endgame? Likely messy and inflationary. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

The Year So Far 📈 Market returns in 2025 tell a story of extreme volatility rather than predictable trends. The US 10-year yield spiked above 4.5%, shaking confidence before Trump walked back tariffs. Trump's Second Term 🏛️ Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China, and NATO tensions triggered waves of uncertainty. A 90-day tariff pause ends soon—more volatility ahead. Currency Moves 💱 The rand hit R19.90/$ in April but has strengthened nearly 7% year to date. Dollar weakness is driving big shifts—its worst start to a year in 50 years! Commodities on Fire 🔥 Platinum: +52%, hitting 10-year highs Gold: +27%, buoyed by central banks diversifying away from dollars Copper, rhodium, uranium also strong, while coal and Brent oil are lagging Equities: Winners & Losers 📊 Top Performers: Sibanye Stillwater* +115% 🚀 Northam, Impala, Harmony riding the PGM boom Surprise: MTN +58%, defying telco sceptics British American Tobacco at record rand highs Strugglers: Aspen -27% 🩺 Spar, Mr Price* correcting after big runs Sasol, despite the headlines, down just 5% Global Markets Snapshot 🌐 European indices are up double digits (Germany +20%, Spain +21%) Canada bounced +8.5% from April lows Hong Kong +20% as Asia joins the rally SA market in ZAR: +30% YTD, outpacing gold and the Nasdaq Key Lessons 🎓 Volatility is a feature, not a bug. When markets "go on sale," don't panic—buy like you would discounted chuckles. Politicians worldwide are unpredictable—stay focused on your long-term plan. The Dollar Story 💵 Dollar Index fell from 110 to 96 in six months. Capital is rotating to Europe and emerging markets. The tariff-driven isolationism in the US is reshaping global flows. 🗓️ Upcoming Event Power Hour – 21 July (Monday) Topic: Three Decades of Investment & Trading Lessons with Simon Brown 🔗 Register at JustOneLap.com/events 📈 More Resources Full ETF performance update dropping Thursday: justonelap.com/ETFs Read Simon's market insights anytime on JustOneLap Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

💸 Know Your Fees: Effective Annual Cost (EAC) Not all fees are created equal — EAC is the real number to watch. Applies to retirement products, LISPs, and unit trusts — not to stockbrokers. 📊 Understand the difference: TER (Total Expense Ratio) TIC (Total Investment Cost) EAC (includes platform + advisor + product fees) 🍏🍏 Apples-to-apples: Compare funds using EAC. 🎯 Target an EAC between 1.1%–1.5%. 💬 Negotiate! Advisor and platform fees are often flexible. 🔍 Beware: Some brokers refuse to give the number — that's a red flag. ❗ Platform fees: Flat > Percentage. Otherwise, your 1% could become R100,000 in fees! 🛢️ Oil Wipeout & Geopolitics Weekend U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites 🔥 led to… a shrug from the oil market. 📈 Oil hit $81.40 early Monday, then crashed to $67.70 by Wednesday. That's a $14 drop, nearly 20% down — massive. 🌍 Global market awash with oil: 🇻🇪 Venezuela, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇷🇺 Russia all pumping through sanctions ⛽ OPEC+ supply increases kicking in soon ⛴️ Straits of Hormuz risk overstated — markets unconvinced 📉 Oil heading to $60? Possibly. ⚙️ Sasol: Much Ouch ❌ Not a fan of Sasol — never been on that bus 📉 Sasol collapsed this week: down 14–15% Tuesday Currently hovering at R96, with support around R77 🧪 Chemicals weak, oil down, Rand strong = triple whammy ⚠️ Not going bust, but it's in real pain 💱 Rand Rollercoaster 💵 USD/ZAR down from 18.15 to 17.76 🔻 Dollar weakness a key driver 🎯 R17 still very much in play 😬 Strong Rand not helping exporters like Sassol 🏦 Fed Watch: FOMC & Powell 🕊️ No rate change last week, as expected 📣 Powell grilled by Congress — MAGA heat incoming 📉 Fed still guiding for two cuts in 2025 Data outlook softening: 🏭 GDP ↓ 📈 Inflation ↑ 👷 Unemployment ↑ 🧠 Powell's just doing his job — not playing politics SA's MPC, on the other hand… maybe a bit behind the curve ⚗️ PGMs: Shiny Again? 💬 Chat with Old Mutual: rotating out of gold, into PGMs 🔼 Platinum at 10-year highs, last seen in Oct 2014 🇿🇼 🇿🇦 Platinum from Southern Africa; 🇨🇦 🇷🇺 Palladium elsewhere 📦 Stockpiles, especially palladium, still working through 🚗 EVs: Now only expected to be 40% of sales by 2035 Existential crisis for PGMs? Delayed… for now 🧊 Recycling paused — not worth it at these prices 🥇 Pick your poison: Impala, Northam, Sibanye Stillwater*… 📦 Sibanye with PGMs, palladium & gold exposure 🪙 Gold: Still Glowing 🧲 Pullback to support around R3,330/g Could go as low as R3,200 — but not rolling over 💡 Structural shift in how investors (especially in developed markets) view gold 🛡️ Post-2022 shift: Central banks hedging against future sanctions with more gold Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

This week, Simon Brown unpacks the numbers behind a recovering South African consumer, an attractive new renewable energy listing, and the latest moves in platinum group metals (PGMs). Plus, CrowdStrike's results, Omnia's cash pile (and SARS headache), and what falling bond yields mean for SA. In this episode: 📈 Retail recovery? Results from Mr Price* and TFG* show H2 improvement — are SA consumers finally catching a break? 🌱 Greencoat Renewables (JSE: GRP) lands on the JSE with a juicy ±9% dividend yield. Should you be bidding? 💰 Omnia shines with strong mining & agri numbers, plus another special dividend — but SARS looms. 🪙 PGMs on the move: Platinum breaks out, rhodium recovers — which miner is best placed to benefit? 🔐 CrowdStrike* delivers solid results, but share dilution raises eyebrows. Is it still a long-term cybersecurity winner? 💸 Currency & bonds: Rand firms as US dollar weakens and SA bond yields drop. What does it mean for investors? Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Simon has been doing a key note address over the last week and in this weeks podcast he takes a slightly different tack to what he usually presents. This time he is delivery his key note. He looks back over almost forty years of market crises that he's invested through. He shares the lessons he learnt, what caused the crisis and what the response was. This includes; 1987, EM Tigers of 1998, the DotCom bust in 2000, Global Financial Crisis of 2008/9, the 2020 pandemic and finally the 2025 Trump tariff crisis.

SARB inflation target 🎯 Inflation remains well below target at 2.8%, raising expectations of a rate cut at Thursday's MPC meeting. New long-term target could shift to 3%. ⏳ Rate cut coming? Market's betting on 25bps; Simon wants 50bps. 💡 Lower target = anchored expectations = tamer wage negotiations. Peloton (PTON) 🚴‍♂️ The pandemic darling may be turning a corner with solid free cash flow returning. 💵 Q3 FY25: $94.6m FCF (vs $10.7m in Q1) 📉 Stock at $7.50 (down from $170). Risky turnaround, but improving numbers. 📊 Subscriptions reviving; de-risked but needs deeper digging. Gold Power Hour coming 19 June 🪙 Event: "Know when to hold it, know when to fold it." 📆 19 June with Standard Bank 📈 Gold had its highest ever weekly close – bullish candles and all. Rand strength 💪🇿🇦 ZAR gaining momentum: from 19.90 to 17.88. 🌍 Dollar index weakening, Trump tariff noise not shaking markets – yet. 🔮 Simon sees 16.80 as possible ahead. USDZAR 27 May 2025 | weekly chart Trump tariffs whiplash 🇺🇸🌀 🗓 Flip-flops on 50% EU tariffs: delay to June? Or back to July 9? 🎭 Oval Office ambush with Ramaphosa. No real surprises. 📉 Market's still waiting for an actual deal – not just handshakes. Renegen* (REN) & ASP Isotopes (ASPI) 🧪 🚨 Renegen deal: 1 share of ASP gets ~0.09 of REN. 🛑 Simon holding Renegen for Phase 2 helium – not keen on ASP. 💰 Nasdaq listing delays = funding delays. Sasol (SOL) ⚖️ 💸 Transnet drops appeal, SOL gets R4bn court award. 📈 Stock rally confirmed – chart looking better, Brent still a drag. 🛢 Oil remains the key driver. Pick n Pay (PIK) 🛒 📉 Still losing money, but less than before. 👷 Sean Summers' contract extended to 2028. Break-even delayed. 💰 Boxer + R4bn cash > market cap = value if turnaround succeeds. 🚧 Market says: "We don't believe it. Yet." Nampak (NPK) 📦 ✅ Another slow but steady turnaround. 📊 Results not amazing but consumer headwinds easing. Altron (AEL) 🚗📡 📈 Strong Netstar performance. Solid accounting tailwinds coming. 💬 Simon: "One of the few real turnaround wins." 🧠 Potential still there – analyst upbeat. Harmony (HAR) + Copper 🇦🇺🔧 💰 Buying Aussie copper mine for $1bn – diversifying away from gold. ⚖️ Adds immediate copper cash flow = de-risked future. 🔌 Copper demand = chips, EVs, energy. Chart still flat for now. PGMs: Platinum & Palladium 💿 🔁 Trading in long-term ranges (R830–R1100). 📉 Not breaking out yet; charts uninspiring. 📦 Stockpiles still working through post-Russia invasion. 📉 EV transition and reduced supply in focus. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🎯 Tariff Talks: Where Are We Now? Simon Brown recaps the evolution of Trump-era tariffs, with recent developments around: US-China deal: effective 54% tariff on Chinese goods, 10% on US goods UK, Mexico, Canada, Vietnam likely settling around 10% Expectations for other regions like EU, Saudi Arabia, South Africa Conclusion: tariff escalation seems contained, reducing recession risks Key Insight: Markets are stabilising as the worst-case tariff scenario is dialed back. 💊 Trump vs. Big Pharma Trump targets high drug prices in the US, pushing for: 30-day deadline for pharmaceutical companies to lower prices Unclear legal basis; possible price controls debated Pharma stocks bounce back slightly after initial drop Simon's Take: Healthcare is risky for investors due to constant regulatory pressure — he stays away. 💡 Lewis Group: Surprise Trading Update Lewis expects a 55–65% EPS increase, sparking: A ~16% stock price surge Ongoing share buybacks and high dividends (7.8% yield) Strategy: loan book expansion, carefully managing bad debts Verdict: Strong fundamentals, still looks cheap. Simon and analysts are bullish. 📈 🛒 Boxer's Debut Results First results since Boxer listed: Modest headline earnings (new shares diluted results) 25 new superstores & 35 liquor stores planned annually Operating margins on par with Shoprite* (~5.5%) Stock trading at fair valuation (R64.77), analysts' target: R76.66 Insight: Promising growth but priced in. Shoprite still Simon's preferred pick. 🏪 🏅 AngloGold Ashanti*: Cash Flow Soars Highlights from AngloGold's trading update: 7x increase in free cash flow New dividend policy: $0.125 quarterly minimum + 50% of FCF 26% production increase (aided by Egypt acquisition) Concerns: strong rand + weak gold price pressure the stock Simon's Position: Holds the stock, likes the dividends — cautious on expansion. 🪙 🏘️ Calgro M3 vs. Balwin Property sector comparison: Calgro M3*: Sub-R1m homes, shifting from gov't subsidies to open market Balwin: Mid-to-high-end units (R1.1m–R3m+), annuity income from parks & amenities Both cautious due to election risks and past invasions Bottom Line: Simon owns Calgro, likes both for their contributions to housing. 🏡 Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🧓 Warren Buffett Steps Down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Buffett officially steps aside as CEO at age 94, replaced by Greg Abel. Still remains Chairman Berkshire A shares up ~44,000% since the 80s No dividends ever paid, only share buybacks His legacy: simplicity, repeatable process, and long-term vision Emphasis on reading years of balance sheets and loving cash flow Fun fact: 96% of his net worth came after age 65 🏦 Investing Lessons from Buffett Stick to quality companies at reasonable prices Focus on permanent capital and compounding Keep your process simple and repeatable Don't chase hype — focus on fundamentals South Africa's Chris Seabrooke noted as a local Buffett-like investor 🌸 "Sell in May and Go Away" – Myth Busted Simon critiques the old market adage. S&P returns from May–October average 0.49%, Nov–Apr average 1.02% Transaction costs, taxes, and missed rallies make timing unreliable Verdict: It's a nursery rhyme, not an investment strategy 🛢️ Oil Falling as OPEC Hikes Production OPEC+ accelerating production increases Brent now ~$60/barrel Impacts: ✅ Good for fuel prices & oil consumers ❌ Bad for Sasol (though price hasn't reacted much) 🏚️ Fracking rigs in US may shut down if prices fall further Possible geopolitical angle: helping Trump by lowering gas prices 💵 Rand Strengthens ZAR at R18.24/USD, nearing a key R18.30 technical level Boosted by stronger exports, higher gold prices Could trend toward R17 if momentum continues 🪙 Gold Surging Again Gold bouncing back above $3,000 after recent dip Driven by: Central bank buying Rebound in ETF inflows (especially in Europe, Asia, and US) General inflation and recession fears Upcoming FOMC decision adding fuel to the rally 🏛️ FOMC Decision This Week Fed expected to hold rates US inflation stickiness, strong jobs data, and political independence from Trump all in play Simon expects no change but criticizes SARB for being too hawkish despite low SA inflation (2.7%) 🧠 Palantir Results – Big Numbers, Big Risks Q1 Revenue up 39% YoY to $884M Customers up 39%, EPS (non-GAAP) at $0.13 Price-to-book: 58x ⚠️ EV-to-sales: 100x ⚠️ Heavy stock-based comp = shareholder dilution Analysts split: mostly neutral or bearish You're investing in Peter Thiel's vision, not value metrics Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🎙 Episode Summary: This week, Simon unpacks Alphabet's surprisingly cheap valuation, troubling US economic data, South African CPI figures, Trump's trade mess, and the implications of Aspen's customer fallout. Plus, he previews the Berkshire AGM and upcoming JustOneLap events. 📉 US Economic Data Shock Q1 GDP: Expected +0.2%, came in at –0.3% 😬 Imports surged 40%, skewing GDP down Retail inventories and trade balance signal deeper issues PCI inflation at 1.8% vs. 1.2% expected Recession fears intensify US GDP Q1 2025 🇺🇸 Trump's 100-Day Trade Tangle Trump promised 90 trade deals in 90 days — none signed yet India might come to the table soon Tariff chaos continues, shelves may empty by July Xi Jinping not engaging — trade uncertainty remains high 📊 Alphabet (GOOGL) is Looking CHEAP PE under 20, forward PE ~17 🔥 YouTube: $9B in rev, larger TV share than Netflix Cloud turning profitable; Waymo surging Risks: Antitrust cases, weakened core search, AI competition Analyst sentiment: 13 Strong Buys, 39 Buys, 12 Holds Price targets: Avg $202, High $240 🧠 Search Wars: Google vs. AI Google Search = cluttered & ad-heavy Simon prefers Perplexity & ChatGPT for clean, accurate info Questions around ad revenue in AI-driven search era 💥 Aspen: Trust Broken Lost a major take-or-pay client 🧪 Share down ~33%; questions around facility utilization Replacing lost volume could take 12–18 months Confidence in management fading Aspen | Weekly 29 April 2025 📉 SA CPI Drops to 2.7% Well below target band midpoint of 4.5% Inflation lowest since mid-2020 Will SARB cut rates? Depends on FOMC outcome on 7 May 📚 Budget 3.0 Incoming New budget after VAT hike rejection 21 May – Stay tuned for more policy drama 🏛 Berkshire Hathaway AGM Saturday @ 14:30 SA time 🧓 First meeting without Charlie Munger Warren Buffett expected to address investment outlooks and succession Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Gold Pullback in Focus Gold surged to $3,500 before a sharp pullback to $3,321. Simon breaks down what caused the spike — including comments from Trump about Powell and rate cuts. Weekly chart shows potential kangaroo tail reversal — possible zone to watch: $2,800–$3,000. Gold | Weekly | 23 April 2025 Trump, Powell & IMF Forecast Downgrades Trump critiques Powell and Fed policy while possibly setting up a scapegoat. IMF cuts global growth forecasts from 3.2% to 2.8%. South Africa's expected GDP is now at 1% — far below Treasury's 1.9% target. Rare Earths: Not So Rare, Still Strategic China's dominance in rare earths: 69% production, 90% processing. Simon looks at the VanEck Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF (REMX) as a thematic play. Pros & cons of investing in rare earths — not fully sold on the ETF himself. Flashback: 5 Years Since Negative Oil Remember April 2020? Oil went negative (-$40.32)! Breakdown of why it happened (physical settlement, lack of storage). One of the wildest moments in market history. 21 April 2020 | WTO goes negative New Battery Tech from China's CATL Sodium-ion batteries could rival lithium: cheaper, safer, fast-charging. CATL is profitable and pays a dividend, but listed in Shenzhen, making access tricky. Aspen's R2 Billion Hit Brief mention of Aspen's contract dispute and loss. Lack of transparency continues to damage trust in management. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🌍 Global Markets Rundown Goldman Sachs suggests gold could plausibly hit $4,500/oz by year-end. Gold is currently around $3,200/oz, but volatility and uncertainty are driving prices higher. Gold miners are benefiting from the price surge, with big leverage showing up in earnings. Example: Pan African Resources made $900/oz at $2,250; could make $2,900 at $3,250. Big upside still possible if gold just holds or drifts higher. SA gold stocks (YTD performance): Pan African Resources +106% Harmony +76% AngloGold Ashanti* +72% Gold Fields +30% (with mine-related issues) Gold | Weekly chart |15 April 2025 📉 Recession Watch Larry Fink (BlackRock) & Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan): "US may already be in a recession." Trump's constant tariff changes add more uncertainty. Growth is slowing, and inflation is stubbornly high (risk of stagflation). Treasury buyers are hesitant—money is going into gold, not US 10-year bonds. China's potential bond moves could rattle the entire global system. 💸 Currency Check The Rand recovered from nearly R20/USD to around R18.75/USD. Driven by dollar weakness, global uncertainty, and DXY dipping below 100. Local support for ZAR remains tentative but improving. 📊 ETFs & Resources Rally Satrix RESI ETF* now ~50% gold miners, up ~44% YTD. Resource-driven tax windfalls (like in 2021/22) show how profitable miners benefit the broader economy. 📈 Local Market Highlights Purple Group* (EasyEquities) finally breaks out: Strong results: HEPS up 204%. Thrive initiative charging inactive accounts adds meaningful revenue. Stock rallied from 92c to 118c in just over a week. Possible end to aggressive selling pressure—more upside ahead? Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

🇿🇦 South African Budget & Political Risk Budget framework passed (barely) – VAT increase to 15.5% effective 1 May. GNU under pressure as ANC signals reformulation talks with partners. Rand volatility: Touched nearly R19.90/USD before recovering to ~R18.70. 💥 Global Markets in Turmoil S&P 500 down 18.25%, Nasdaq down 22.5%. Massive selloff: One of the steepest 4-day drops since 1950. But historically, markets rebound over 1, 3, and 5 years post similar dips. S&P500 | Weekly | 08 April 2025 🇺🇸 US Tariffs – Trump's Economic Disruption 104% tariffs on Chinese goods kick in; highest in 100+ years. Aimed at reshaping global trade, raising revenue (~$600B–$1T est). Massive uncertainty over whether Trump reverses course. Impacts already visible: Nintendo delays Switch 2 US preorders. 🌐 Global Repercussions & Recession Risk Supply chain shocks, rising costs, and job losses in producing countries (Vietnam, China). Major US banks now see a >55% chance of global recession. Countries shifting alliances; US being carved out. 🏦 US Treasuries Drama Wild 10-year yield swings overnight – unusual volume raises eyebrows. Could China be retaliating by offloading US debt? 💡 What To Do As An Investor Avoid panic. Focus on quality and defensive stocks. Opportunities: SA: Capitec, Shoprite*, BIDCorp, RSA Retail Savings Bonds Global: Ferrari (Race), Johnson & Johnson, ASML, Europe Sectors: Healthcare (STXHLT), Tobacco, Alcohol, Staples Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order Chapters 00:00 Market Overview and Budget Implications 02:59 Global Economic Concerns and Market Reactions 05:54 Trade Wars and Tariff Impacts 09:10 Investment Strategies in Uncertain Times 12:04 Sector Analysis: Opportunities and Risks 14:58 Future Market Predictions and Closing Thoughts

Simon Brown chats with Glynn Allen from Shyft Global on the history of the app and the recent introduction of JSE shares and a look ahead to new features.

S&P 500 Bounce? After a rough start, Monday's trading saw a small recovery. But with Trump's "Liberation Day" tariff announcements looming, markets could be in for more volatility. Budget Vote Approaches: The ANC lacks votes to pass the postponed budget, with opposition parties like MK and EFF holding out. Political and economic uncertainty remains high. Commodities on a Quiet Rally: Gold (+19.5%), Copper (+26.5%), and Rhodium (+24.5%) lead the way, while oil and aluminium lag. The CRB Index is up 5.4% year-to-date. Atlanta Fed GDP Now Update: Q1 GDP estimate revised to -0.5% from -2.8%. Adjustments for gold trade data make the outlook slightly less dire. Amazon at a Discount? Stock down 20% from its highs, with a historically low P/E ratio of 34. Analysts see upside potential. Amazon | Weekly Chat | 31 March 2025 Johnson & Johnson's Dividend Appeal: Trading near $165, with a potential drop to $150 making its 3% yield even more attractive. Johnson & Johnson | Weekly Chat | 31 March 2025 New ETNs on the JSE: Nvidia, Palantir, Novo Nordisk, and more available via FNB, offering exposure to top global stocks with local accessibility. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview and Economic Indicators 03:09 US Tariff Implications and Market Reactions 05:45 Commodities Performance and Economic Impact 09:03 Stock Analysis: Amazon's Market Position 12:00 Stock Analysis: Johnson & Johnson's Stability 14:38 Investment Strategies and Innovations

Education Stocks: Winners and Losers Stadio: Strong performance with double-digit growth and 50,000+ learners. Benefiting from a shortage of university spaces and the struggles at UNISA. Potential for further growth through distance learning and university status. ADvTech*: Long-term holding with solid but not as aggressive growth. Strong presence in tertiary education and schools. Expansion into East Africa showing promise. Curro: Disappointing results with flat learner numbers and write-downs on buildings. Struggles may be due to internal issues or broader economic pressures on lower-income consumers. Commodity Movers: Copper & Rhodium Copper: Near all-time highs due to demand from EVs, data centers, and energy transition. Companies like BHP*, Anglo, and Rio ramping up production. Simon is playing the copper trade through BHP Group. Copper | Weekly | 25 March 2025 Rhodium: Seeing a price recovery after a prolonged downturn. Benefiting PGM miners, though still far from peak levels. Platinum & Palladium: Relatively stable within established price ranges. BYD's Breakthrough in Battery Tech BYD claims a five-minute charge for 400 km range, setting a new benchmark for EVs. Outpacing Tesla and other competitors in rapid-charging efficiency. Dominating the affordable EV space with sub-$10,000 models. Tesla's Market Share Decline in Europe Tesla's share of the European BEV market dropped from 21% to 9.6%. Competitive pricing from BYD and lack of Tesla model updates. CEO Elon Musk's political involvement potentially affecting brand perception. Remgro: Growing Discount to NAV Reported net asset value (NAV) of R276.89, but share price only R155. The discount to NAV is reaching extreme levels. Historically, Remgro traded at a much smaller discount, raising questions about potential revaluation. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview and Education Stocks 06:51 Commodities: Copper and Rhodium Insights 13:34 Electric Vehicle Market Dynamics 18:02 Remgro's Financial Performance and Valuation Insights

Market Overview: Top 40 Index: Hit an all-time high of 82,378, currently at 81,800. SA markets remain strong despite a US market selloff. Top40 | Weekly | 18 March 2025 Gold: Broke $3,000 for the first time last week, currently around $3,030. Continues to rise amid geopolitical uncertainties. Gold | Weekly | 19 March 2025 Rand: Trading at 18.07, briefly touching 18.0088 earlier. Dollar weakness driving strength, with a target level of 17.80. Key Market Insights: Gold as a Portfolio Hedge: Maintains a 6-7% weighting in portfolio. Recent purchase at $2,865 via GLD ETF in New York. Potential buy zones: $2,800 and $2,850. Dollar Index Trends: Initially targeted 104, broke through to 101. Could drive the Rand towards 17.80. Global Uncertainty & Market Reactions: European tariffs and Ukraine war concerns. Trump-Putin meeting adds to geopolitical tensions. Elevated US market valuations suggest exploring Europe ETFs. Investment Strategies: AI Participation Note by Standard Bank: Tracks the S&P Kensho AI Index. Two options: 100% Capital Protection - Minimum investment of R25,000, capital secured, potential upside. Capital at Risk with 140% Participation Rate - Higher returns if index rises, but losses if it drops more than 40%. Open for investment until March 28, 2025. Renergen* Helium Production Milestone: Finally delivered helium after years of delays. Stock surged from R3 to R9.30, but challenges remain. Phase 2 expansion and NASDAQ listing pending. Retail investors remain cautious due to past delays. Macroeconomic Outlook: Atlanta Fed GDP Now Forecast: Predicts Q1 GDP contraction of -2.1%. Economic slowdown concerns intensifying. Upcoming Rate Decisions: US Fed (FOMC): Unlikely to cut rates. SA Reserve Bank (MPC): Potential space for a rate cut. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview and Key Movements 05:47 Gold and Rand Dynamics 12:08 Investment Opportunities in AI 17:43 Renigen's Helium Production and Challenges 20:06 Budget Insights and Economic Outlook

The Atlanta Fed's GDP Forecast The Atlanta Fed GDPNow predicts a -2.4% GDP contraction for Q1 2025. Market uncertainty due to tariffs and economic policy concerns. Corporate travel and consumer bookings showing signs of weakness as Delta Airlines downgrades their expectations from mid January. Market Reactions and Sell-Offs Nasdaq and S&P had their worst single-day drops since 2022. Major stocks like Nvidia, ASML, and CrowdStrike seeing significant declines. Bitcoin at $81,000 amid broader market volatility. Europe as a Potential Investment Opportunity Europe's economic stimulus: Germany announces a €500B package. ETFs to consider: EURO STOXX 50 (SYGEU) vs. MSCI Europe Industrial Sector. Potential for growth in industrial and defense sectors. Euro Stoxx 50 | Weekly | 12 March 2025 Just One Lap Turns 14 Founded in 2011 to provide online financial education. Reflection on the platform's growth and community support. South African Budget Review Possible VAT increase; lack of innovative fiscal strategies. Previous reliance on gold reserves for financial stability. Discussion on potential economic impacts. HomeChoice International Results Revenue up 21%, HEPS up 27%, dividend up 17%. Expanding into fintech with PayJustNow and FinChoice. Liquidity concerns despite strong financial performance. Two-Pot Retirement Withdrawals - Where Did the Money Go? Initial claims suggested debt repayment, but data suggests spending. Increased vehicle sales, hospitality sector growth (e.g., Spur, Sun International). Implications for long-term financial planning. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Economic Outlook: Recession Predictions and Market Reactions 09:07 Investing in Europe: Opportunities and ETFs 12:07 Celebrating 14 Years of Just One Lap 13:20 Budget Analysis: VAT Increase and Economic Innovation 15:09 Home Choice International: Business Performance and Liquidity Challenges 18:19 Consumer Spending Trends: Where Did the Money Go?

Anglo-American's Cash Raid on Anglo-Platinum Anglo-American's decision to unbundle its stake in Anglo-Platinum raises concerns. Declaring a special dividend of R59 per share wipes out the company's entire R17.6 billion cash reserves. Implications for investors: selling pressure expected as shares land in new brokerage accounts. China's Tech Revival? The appearance of Jack Ma and Xi Jinping together could mark a softening stance toward tech companies. Alibaba partners with Apple, integrating its AI into Apple's ecosystem. Is China reopening the door for its tech giants? Bull Market Momentum Global indices continue to hit all-time highs, with AI and tech stocks leading the charge. Not just tech: European and Asian markets show strength. Are valuations stretched, or is there more room to run? Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Market Updates & Analysis: Sasol Reversal Pattern? – Examining Sasol's technical setup and the significance of a 'kangaroo tail' pattern. Rand Stability Amid Trump's Threats – Despite geopolitical concerns, the rand remains steady. Top 40 at All-Time Highs – Market momentum and investor confidence. South Africa's Budget Speech (Wednesday, 2 PM SAST) Revenue shortfalls and potential tax bracket adjustments Universal Basic Income and National Health Insurance funding discussion Expectations for the fiscal policy outlook Stock & Sector Insights: Telkom: Revenue up 0.9%, in a turnaround phase, but Simon remains skeptical about telcos. Santam: Strong earnings growth (40-60% increase in HEPS), but insurance sector risks remain. Shoprite*: Consumer stock pullback; long-term bullish outlook despite short-term pressure. China Stocks & ETFs: Alibaba up 40% on Apple collaboration Satrix China ETF – is it time to reconsider investing in China? General sentiment split between 'China is uninvestable' vs. 'China has potential' Bond Market Watch: SA Bonds Showing Volatility: A significant move in bond yields post-Trump comments, raising concerns about borrowing costs. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Trump Trade Tariffs & Global Market Impact: Initial tariffs of 10% (China) and 25% (Canada, Mexico) announced but later revised. U.S.-Canada relations strained, with Warren Buffett warning of reputational damage. Global negotiation shifts—China, Russia, and Europe eye opportunities. Continued U.S.-China trade tensions, including semiconductor restrictions and rare earth tariffs. Market volatility expected; long-term investment strategies recommended. Investment Strategies Amid Uncertainty: Volatility is high—avoid panic selling. Keep cash reserves for opportunities (buy the dip cautiously). Long-term focus: presidential terms are temporary, investments span decades. Interest Rate Decisions & Market Reactions: Bank of England expected to cut rates. U.S. Fed Chair Jerome Powell pauses rate hikes due to inflation concerns. South Africa's MPC cuts rates, prime now at 11%. Analysts predict one to two more rate cuts in 2024. Gold Market Strength & Outlook: Gold price hovering near $2,900, with potential to break $3,000. Supply constraints—minimal new gold mining projects. Strong central bank purchases—1,000+ tons bought in 2023. Retail ETF inflows return after three years of outflows. Gold miners like Harmony, AngloGold*, and Pan African positioned well. Gold weekly | 06 February 2025 Retail Sector & Consumer Spending: Mixed trading updates: Pick n Pay and Boxer show early turnaround signs. Modest growth in TFG, Mr. Price*, and Clicks; Shoprite* remains strong. Cautious consumer spending patterns persist. Two-Pot Retirement System: Initial withdrawals lower than expected—around R50 billion. Future ongoing withdrawals expected as a structural component in SA's economy. Vehicle Sales Trends: January sales at 46,400—stronger than expected. Used car market expanding, Chinese brands gaining traction. Auto sector investment options: CMH*, Motus, and Zeda. Such African monthly vehicle sales Sasol's Ongoing Struggles: Six-month trading update—earnings per share around R14. Continual asset write-downs and operational challenges. PE ratio suggests market pricing for bankruptcy, but survival likely. No clear turnaround signals yet—investors should wait for stronger confirmation. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview and Podcast Introduction 01:10 Trump Tariffs and Global Trade Dynamics 06:25 Interest Rates and Economic Implications 10:02 Gold Market Trends and Predictions 12:51 Retail Sector Performance and Consumer Behavior 14:17 Vehicle Sales Insights and Market Trends 16:40 Sasol's Financial Challenges and Future Outlook

The Cristal Challenge runs until October, with participants picking five local stocks (no ETFs or sub-20c stocks) to hold through the year. Simon's picks include a mix of stable "banker" stocks and speculative plays: Richemont*: High-end luxury giant with strong fundamentals and global market appeal despite challenges in China. Trading near R3,500, with long-term potential boosted by luxury market recovery and stable global demand. Shoprite*: Dominant grocery retailer in South Africa, benefiting from market share growth and diversified business lines like 60/60 delivery. A steady performer with consistent earnings growth and market dominance, trading at a PE of 24. ADvTech*: Education sector leader, well-positioned to meet growing private schooling and tertiary education demands. Education giant trading below its historical PE average, supported by asset-light growth strategies. Calgro M3*: Affordable housing developer, thriving on demand for low-to-mid-income housing in South Africa. Value pick with a PE below 3 and a focus on affordable housing, addressing a critical market need. Purple Group*: Innovator behind EasyEquities, leveraging platform fees and expanded product offerings to drive revenue growth. Growth potential through EasyEquities' platform fees, rising customer base, and additional financial products. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

TSMC's Record-Breaking Results Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) hit $26 billion in quarterly revenue. A strong contender in the AI supply chain with growing global operations. Gold: Continuing the Bull Run Gold remains a strong investment pick for Simon, with a potential to hit $3,000/oz. Gold | Weekly | 21 January 2025 Brent Crude Oil Concerns Rising oil prices could hurt both the global and South African economies. Trump Meme Coins & Meme Coin Mania Trump and Melania meme coins: Novelty or nonsense? Simon unpacks the hype. Grinrod & Mozambique Challenges Operational risks in Mozambique but potential opportunities with Transnet's private rail plans. Sasol: A Case of Caution Chemical spin-offs and high oil prices spark discussion, but Simon isn't convinced to buy. Cristal Challenge Simon's picks for the Cristal Crystal Challenge: Shoprite*, Purple Group*, ADvtTch*, Calgro M3*, and Richemont*. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

For the twelfth year in a row Marc Ashton, Keith McLachlan & Simon Brown get together and make three predictions each for year ahead. They then also give their expectations for the local Top40 index and the Rand against the US$. But first every year they start by scoring their previous year predictions to keep things real and honest.

In the final show of the year Simon looks back at the many local and offshore winners (and a few losers) of 2024. There have been some excellent returns, but will they carry on into 2025?

Boxer IPO Hits the Market Boxer* (JSE code will be BOX) lists on 28 November, debuting at R54/share after a highly oversubscribed IPO. Strategies discussed for trading or investing in Boxer shares, including buying through Pick n Pay shares. Key takeaway: Patience is key; wait for potential pullbacks. Two-Pot Retirement Savings and Market Impact Early evidence of consumer spending from the two-pot retirement system. Stocks like Mr. Price*, Pepkor, and Keith McLachlan's picks (e.g., Afrimat, Netcare) reviewed as beneficiaries. Satrix 40 ETF Turns 24 Launched in 2000, the Satrix 40 has delivered an annualized return of 11.3%. Impact: Introduced passive investing and slashed fees for South African investors. Bitcoin's Psychological Barrier at $100,000 Bitcoin fell short of the $100K milestone, retracing to around $93K. Analysis of big psychological levels in markets and what this means for Bitcoin's momentum. Bitcoin | Weekly | 27 November 2024 Anglo-Platinum Share Sale Anglo-American reduces its stake in Anglo-Platinum, selling at cycle lows. Discussion on PGM market challenges and future outlook. Trump's Proposed Tariffs Announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports and 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada. Potential economic implications and geopolitical fallout analysed. Rand, DXY, and Gold The Rand holds surprisingly well despite DXY strength; predictions for 2024 suggest potential recovery. Gold price fluctuations and long-term bullish outlook. US$ Index (DXY) | Weekly | 27 November 2024 Commodity Spotlight: Coffee and Cocoa Coffee prices hit 20-year highs due to Brazilian droughts, impacting consumer costs. Cocoa prices stabilise after a surge, with Nestlé and soft commodity ETFs in focus. Super Group and SG Fleet Deal SG Fleet receives a buyout offer, boosting share prices. Opportunities in second-tier stocks like Invicta and Hudaco highlighted for a potentially improving economic environment. MPC Update South African Reserve Bank increases rates by 0.25%, citing risks from core inflation and external pressures. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview and Boxer IPO Insights 03:08 Two-Pot Money and Consumer Spending Trends 06:03 Satrix 40: A 24-Year Retrospective 08:51 Bitcoin's Psychological Barriers and Market Sentiment 11:40 Anglo-American's Strategic Moves and Market Reactions 14:58 Commodity Prices: Coffee and Cocoa Trends 17:49 Monetary Policy Committee Decisions and Economic Outlook jj

October Inflation Local CPI at 2.8%, yet prime is 11.5% ahead of the MPC decision this afternoon. The gap is far to wide, SARB needs to cut aggressively. South Africa | Prime vs. CPI Gold and Bitcoin Gold has bounced, but is this for real? Bitcoin heading for US$100k Rand weakness The US$ remains string and is hurting the Rand. US$ Index Astral results Good results Paid back R1.1billion short-term debt But volatile, a trading stock. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Market Overview Crypto Surge, Gold Decline: Bitcoin rallies as investors shift from gold to crypto. Gold hit a recent high of $2,800 but is now pulling back, possibly towards $2,300-$2,400. Central banks continue to buy gold as a hedge against U.S. dollar dominance and geopolitical risks. [caption id="attachment_43623" align="aligncenter" width="849"] Gold | Weekly | 13 November 2024 Rand Weakness: The ZAR weakened above 18 to the dollar, driven by strong U.S. dollar demand amidst market volatility. South African Rand overshoots due to its high liquidity, making it vulnerable to sharp moves. Trump's Impact on Crypto Market speculation suggests Trump may be crypto-friendly, unlike the current SEC chair Gary Gensler, known for his strict regulatory stance. Potential shifts in the regulatory landscape could benefit cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin. Simon holds Bitcoin and advises caution: ensure crypto is stored in a hardware wallet for safety. Bitcoin | Weekly | 13 November 2024 Local Telco Sector: Vodacom & MTN Both companies struggle with weakened African currencies like the Ethiopian Birr and Egyptian Pound. Profits are impacted when converted back to ZAR. Despite attractive dividend yields (MTN ~4%, Vodacom ~5.6%), Simon remains bearish, highlighting high capex demands and sector challenges. Raubex: Construction Sector Bright Spot Strong results from Raubex, showing resilience in a struggling sector. Diversification into renewable energy and mining operations boosts performance. Simon notes it as one of the few quality construction plays left, alongside Afrimat. Consumer Market Struggles Updates from AVI and BidCorp indicate persistent weak consumer demand, despite optimism from a possible government of national unity. Inflation has eased, but consumer spending remains subdued as households repair balance sheets. Retail updates show mixed results: Truworths reported disappointing numbers, while The Foschini Group* performed better. Tencent Results Tencent posted strong results, though it did not significantly boost Naspers or Prosus stock prices. The market reaction was muted despite the solid performance. Final Thoughts The market remains volatile, with significant moves in crypto, gold, and the Rand. Simon advises a cautious approach, with a focus on quality stocks and long-term plays. Remember: be kind and look out for others. Kindness is rule number one. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order 00:00 Market Overview: Crypto vs Gold 02:50 The Trump Effect on Gold and Crypto 06:01 The Future of the Rand and Emerging Markets 08:55 Sector Analysis: Vodacom, MTN, and Raubex 16:02 Consumer Trends and Company Updates gg

Episode Summary: Simon Brown dives into the week's biggest financial and economic stories, covering Trump's election win, Nvidia's inclusion in the Dow, rate cuts expected from the FOMC and BOE, and the latest updates on Murray & Roberts, palladium, and gold. Recorded after market open, this episode sheds light on key trades, trends, and the shifting global landscape. Trump's Victory – What's the Trade? Trump's presidential win sparks market reactions, with immediate rallies in the S&P, Nasdaq, and Bitcoin. Simon discusses potential policy impacts, such as tariffs, technology restrictions on China, and implications for commodities, oil, and the South African economy. Notes on the uncertainty of Trump's policies and their potential effects on inflation, EVs, and cryptocurrency. Nvidia in the Dow; Intel Out Nvidia enters the Dow Jones, replacing Intel. Simon critiques the Dow's price-based index system but acknowledges Nvidia's stock performance, fuelled by strong demand from major tech firms. Discussion on how Nvidia's AI hardware demand could shape future stock gains. Nvidia | Weekly chart | Close 06 Nov 24 Murray & Roberts Update Murray & Roberts faces project downscaling from De Beers, revealing challenges tied to low diamond demand. Simon examines the ripple effects across the mining and construction sectors, highlighting how competitor data can provide insights. Palladium & Gold Trends Palladium and gold face downward pressure; Simon explores reasons for the dips, including potential G7 sanctions on Russian palladium. Simon highlights that gold's long-term appeal remains strong, driven by central banks diversifying away from U.S. dollars into gold. Gold | Weekly chart | 07 Nov 24 Bank Rate Cuts – FOMC & BOE Rate cuts anticipated from the FOMC and Bank of England as central banks shift to a rate-cutting cycle. Insights on the potential impact on global markets and currency dynamics. ASML and AI Hardware Market ASML's forward guidance disappoints, affecting semiconductor market outlook. Simon explains the unique position of ASML in the AI chip supply chain and its long-term value as a buy-the-dip candidate. CrowdStrike Resurgence CrowdStrike's recovery following a Microsoft update issue and Delta lawsuit. Simon assesses the stock's growth potential in the cybersecurity space. Listener Takeaway: Markets remain unpredictable but resilient, with global relations, tech policies, and central bank strategies driving shifts. Simon emphasizes informed trading and the long view in these uncertain times. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order Disclaimers: The JSE Direct podcast is independent of JSE Limited and reflects Simon Brown's views, not necessarily those of the JSE. Always consider risks when investing.

Local Inflation Update Inflation at 3.8% - lowest since March 2021 (3.5 years ago) Well below SARB's target range midpoint of 4.5% Q3 year-on-year inflation at 4.3% (vs SARB's expected 4.4%) SA CPI YonY September 2024 November MPC Meeting Outlook Rate cut expected, but size uncertain Possibility of 25bps vs 50bps cut Factors affecting decision: Rand weakness Rising oil prices Global economic conditions Important titbit about today's SA headline CPI print. It meant that CPI rose by 4.3% y/y in Q3 2024. In Sept, SARB expected 4.4% for Q3, implying Sept print largely in line with their expectations. Therefore, today's number will not change SARB's thinking. Folks should calm down. — Hugo Pienaar (@hugopien) October 23, 2024 Currency Markets US Dollar showing significant strength DXY moved from 100.42 to 104.33 (≈4% increase in one month) Strong capital flows into US Rand trading at R17.73 Potential to move above R18 Long-term targets of R16.80 and R15.50 looking less likely short-term US Election Impact Potential implications of different outcomes Trump's proposed policies could be inflationary: Planned tariffs Immigration restrictions Impact on labor markets and prices Famous Brands Results Analysis Using AI Demonstration of AI analysis using Google Notebook LM Key findings: Leading Brands: Operating margin >50% Signature Brands: Operating margin -6.7% Manufacturing: Improved margins due to diesel savings Geographic performance varies: South Africa: 1.8% margin UK operations showing significant decline Cash generation at R498 million (7% decrease) Plans for 89 new stores Chapters 00:00 Local Inflation and Economic Outlook 06:01 Using AI for Investment Analysis 12:06 Famous Brands Results Analysis 18:05 Comparative Analysis with SPUR Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Strong Retail Sales and the Two-Pot System: Retail sales show a positive trend, rising 3.2% in August, exceeding expectations of 2.1%. The Two-Pot System has already released R20 billion in six weeks, with the money used mainly for paying down debt, saving, and spending. Retail sales recovery, though from a low base, is a strong indicator of improved consumer health due to factors like slightly lower interest rates and inflation. South African retail sales | YonY Tribute to Tito Mboweni: Simon reflects on the passing of Tito Mboweni, former Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor. Mboweni's contributions include institutionalising the Reserve Bank's MPC meetings and implementing key labor reforms during his tenure as Labor Minister. His lasting impact on the country's economy and financial sectors was highlighted, along with his personality as a Twitter chef and self-styled "Duke of Magoebaskloof." Johnson & Johnson – A Smooth Dividend Play: Simon shares his reasons for holding Johnson & Johnson: consistent dividend growth (around 3% yield) and a steady 8% annual share price growth in US dollars. Despite some issues, the company offers reliable long-term returns in a competitive health and consumer space. Johnson & Johnson quarterly dividend payments Bytes Technology Group and Investment Opportunity: Bytes operates in the UK, offering hardware, software, and services. The stock showed mixed market reactions but has strong support around certain levels. With a forward P/E of 20 and a dividend yield of 3.6%, Simon sees it as an interesting opportunity for long-term investors in the tech space. Quilter Trading Update: Quilter's strong Q3 results follow a good first half of the year, with significant inflows supporting future earnings. A solid financial services player with a dividend yield near 4% and a forward P/E of 15, Quilter is performing well and trading at all-time highs since its 2018 listing. Sasol – A Weak Chart: Simon discusses Sasol's ongoing struggles, with a weak chart suggesting possible further declines. Investors should wait for technical indicators before making any moves. Brent Oil Price and Rand Volatility: Brent crude oil hit highs recently but is now retreating to $70 per barrel, with potential for further declines due to global oversupply. The rand, affected by dollar strength, is volatile but could see a return to 16.80 against the dollar in the coming months. Chapters 00:00 Retail Sales Recovery and Economic Outlook 04:29 Tribute to Tito Mboweni 08:32 Johnson & Johnson: A Steady Investment 09:52 Bytes Technology Group: Market Reactions 12:32 Quilter's Strong Performance 14:29 Cecil's Ongoing Struggles 15:56 Brent Oil Prices and Global Economy 17:48 Volatility of the Rand and Market Predictions Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Overview: In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown breaks down the latest market updates, key stock analyses, and insights into the South African investment landscape. Episode highlights include discussions on property developers Calgro M3 and Balwin, Capitec's strong performance, Purple Group's rise, Afrimat's challenging update, and Wilson Bailey's long-term chart breakout. The show also covers upcoming events and Brown's views on Nvidia's stock movement. Property Developers: Calgro M3* vs. Balwin Calgro M3: Delivered a strong trading update, attributed to its flexibility in targeting lower-income segments. Calgro's ability to adapt and scale down offerings positions it well, with potential for significant price appreciation. Trading at a low PE of 3.5, Brown argues that in a normal market, it should command a 10x PE, suggesting a fair value of around R9. Balwin: Struggling with higher entry price points in its developments. Despite weaker performance, there may still be value. If results improve in the future, Balwin could present a solid opportunity. Brown speculates that a delisting could be on the cards if the stock remains undervalued. Calgro M3 weekly chart | Close 09 October 2024 Capitec: Expensive, but Resilient Capitec continues to outperform with robust growth, though it trades at a high PE of 27 and a price-to-book of 7.8. Despite concerns about its premium valuation, the company's diverse ventures, from mobile services to expanding insurance offerings, make it a long-term core portfolio holding. Historical growth shows Capitec's resilience and market leadership in the South African banking sector. Purple Group*: A Breakout Stock After months of a consistent seller at 80 cents, Purple Group's stock broke higher, reaching 98 cents before pulling back. Brown remains optimistic, particularly as trading volumes in the JSE pick up, benefiting Purple's core business. Although trading at a high PE of 45, Brown is bullish about its prospects in a rising market. Afrimat: A Tough Year, but Long-Term Potential Afrimat's trading update indicated a sharp drop in earnings (down 75-85%), partly due to the acquisition of Lafarge, which is still loss-making. While the near-term outlook is challenging, Brown remains optimistic about Afrimat's long-term potential, especially if South Africa enters a construction boom. He sees the stock as attractively priced for long-term investors. Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO): A 16-Year Breakout Brown discusses WBHO's impressive 17-year chart, finally breaking out after a long consolidation period. He suggests the stock could benefit from renewed local construction activity, while Afrimat remains his preferred pick in the sector due to its diversification into industrial metals. A breakout after a 17-year consolidation is very bullish in TA. Add the fundamental underpin. I think this still has lots of room to run. pic.twitter.com/fBk5BCKtvk — Richard Thomason (@richytee) October 9, 2024 Nvidia: Breaking New Highs Nvidia, another stock Brown holds, is testing all-time highs after a series of consolidations. With Nvidia's historical pattern of doubling after breaking key resistance levels, Brown remains confident in the stock's potential for further growth despite its high valuation. Nvidia weekly chart | Close 09 October 2024 Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order Chapters 00:00 Market Overview and Calgro M3 vs Balwin 07:11 Capitec's Performance and Future Outlook 12:43 Exploring Other Stocks: Purple Group and Afrimat 18:15 Long-term Trends: Wilson Bailey and Nvidia

China's Market Rebound Stimulus Measures: The Chinese government has initiated a stimulus, which includes cutting reserve requirements and lowering interest rates. While spending has not picked up fully, the China 50 ETF (in US dollars) has wiped out losses dating back to July 2022. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index shows a similar trend. Market Sentiment: Short squeezes have played a role in pushing the prices of big Chinese companies like Alibaba and Tencent higher. Despite concerns about China's long-term investability (raised by experts like Viv Govender of Rand Swiss), Simon remains optimistic about continued growth in the medium term. Shift in Hot Money: There's been a notable shift away from tech stocks like Apple and Nvidia, with more capital flowing towards China in recent days. Simon discusses the potential for short-term pullbacks, but he sees this as an opportunity. South African ETFs Performance Top Performers: Property ETFs have outperformed, with the CSPROP, Satrix Property, and 1nvest Property ETFs gaining between 30% and 31.7% over nine months ending in September 2023. Underperformers: ETFs linked to palladium, platinum, and tech innovation (e.g., Sygnia's Fourth Industrial Revolution ETF and Satrix Healthcare Innovation ETF) have shown negative returns. Outlook for South African REITs Simon expects further growth in the property sector but at a more moderate pace than this year's 30% returns. He highlights the potential impact of upcoming interest rate cuts, consumer spending at malls, and the demand for yield as government bond rates decrease. Some REITs, particularly those in rural and township retail spaces, are performing exceptionally well. The market tends to move ahead of the cuts based on expectations, but technically any cut is great for cheaper debt and more consumer spending at the underlying properties, plus a lower rate for the valuations which means a higher present value. So yes, they can keep going. — The Finance Ghost (@FinanceGhost) October 2, 2024 The South African Rand and Global Markets The Rand has seen fluctuations, dipping to as low as 17.02 against the US dollar and facing pressures from global events such as the Iranian attack on Israel and rising oil prices. Simon expects the Rand to strengthen and potentially break below 17, possibly reaching levels as low as 14. Oil Prices: OPEC is grappling with maintaining production discipline. Oil prices are likely to hover around $70 per barrel, which is positive news for South African consumers in terms of petrol prices. South African PMI and Vehicle Sales PMI: South Africa's PMI for September was positive, indicating slight economic expansion. The absence of load shedding and lower interest rates have contributed to the improved outlook. Vehicle Sales: September saw better-than-average vehicle sales (44,000 units). Simon emphasizes the potential upside in companies like Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), which has started to perform after years of stagnation. Investment Strategy in a Bull Market September SA vehicle sales Simon reiterates his bullish stance, noting that while there will be pullbacks (up to 10% corrections), the overall trend remains upward. He advises staying long in the market, especially in a bull phase. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Summary: In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown delves into the latest developments in South African markets, focusing on the impact of China's major economic stimulus and the strengthening of the Rand. Key highlights include: Rand Strength: The Rand has seen notable appreciation, reaching levels of R17.12 to the US dollar. Simon discusses the drivers behind this, particularly US dollar weakness and foreign purchases of South African bonds. He explores possible future movements, with a target of R16.80 and potential for further strengthening. USDZAR | Weekly | 26 Sep 24 Global Stimulus: China's massive stimulus measures, including relaxed lending rules for banks and lower interest rates, are aimed at boosting consumer demand. This is the largest Chinese stimulus since 2008, with significant potential to impact global commodities and bolster the South African economy. Commodities & Bull Market: The commodities market is seeing positive movement, with Chinese demand driving up prices for industrial metals like copper, iron ore, and coal. Simon notes how the previous commodity bull run in 2021 significantly strengthened the Rand and discusses the potential for a similar scenario if China's economy continues to gain momentum. Market Performance: South Africa is outperforming other emerging markets, particularly Brazil and Mexico, over the past six months. Simon explains the drivers of this outperformance and highlights the continuing bull run in the JSE Top 40 and All-Share indices. SA Equities: Our fortunes have changed significantly since the GNU was formed in June. SA has dramatically outperformed (in US$) not only Emerging markets in general, but Brazil & Mexico. SA has tilted more centrist, with a focus on the economy. Brazil & Mexico both shifted left. pic.twitter.com/Zz6OOM4dCJ — Karin Richards (@Richards_Karin) September 23, 2024 Rate Cuts: South Africa and several other global economies, including the US and Europe, have entered a rate-cutting cycle. Simon emphasises the importance of this for markets, especially property stocks, which are benefiting from lower bond yields and improved investor sentiment. JSE Index Changes: Anglo Platinum has been removed from the JSE Top 40 index, replaced by Pepkor. Simon discusses why Pepkor's entry is significant, given its position as a retailer and its attractive valuation compared to competitors. Key Discussion Points: Rand's strengthening trajectory and foreign capital inflows. China's economic stimulus and its potential effects on global commodities. Outlook for South Africa's bond and equity markets. Changes in the JSE Top 40 index with Pepkor replacing Anglo Platinum. Global rate-cutting trends and their impact on local property stocks. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Episode Overview: In this episode, Simon Brown dives into the current economic landscape with a focus on interest rates, inflation, and the state of the South African Rand (ZAR). He also explores asset-light businesses and why they make great investments, followed by a breakdown of the latest market activity and local company results. Rate Cuts & Inflation Outlook: South African CPI (August): 4.4%. A possible drop to 3.5% in October discussed with Johan Els, Chief Economist at Old Mutual. The need for rate cuts to stimulate the economy, with experts debating between 0.25% and 0.5% cuts. Fed decision and its potential market impact. SA Prime and CPI September 2024 ZAR Strength & Market Trends: Rand showing strength, potentially reaching sub-17 levels. Global market highs: S&P 500, NASDAQ, and JSE Top 40. Consumer confidence in the US and South Africa rising but still negative. Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) & Palladium: A strong bounce in PGM stocks, driven by oversold positions and palladium production cuts. Palladium's recent performance and its potential future breakouts. Palladium weekly chart | 18 September 2024 Asset-Light Businesses & Their Investment Potential: Definition and benefits of asset-light businesses (e.g., Santova, Nvidia). Simon breaks down why businesses with fewer physical assets can provide higher returns on equity and efficiency. Comparison to asset-heavy businesses like banks and retailers. A deep dive into asset-light models like Shein, Temu, and logistics firms. Company Updates & Local Results: Outsurance: Strong financial results and special dividends; analysis of the short-term insurance industry's ability to reprice premiums annually. Altvest IPO: Simon discusses the upcoming Altvest IPO on the JSE and why he's not taking part in it, despite its interesting SME funding model. Finbond: A look at the excitement surrounding Finbond's potential delisting and the company's moves in the US market. Noteworthy Quotes: "Rate cuts are coming, and I think we'll see a short-term sell-off as markets react." "Asset-light businesses like Santova and Shein are great investment opportunities because they don't carry the heavy burden of owning physical assets." "Outsurance continues to impress with strong numbers and dividends, proving the strength of short-term insurers." Chapters 00:00 Economic Landscape and Rate Decisions 03:09 Understanding Asset-Light Businesses 05:54 Market Psychology and Upcoming Events 09:11 Local Results and Investment Insights 11:52 Exploring New Investment Opportunities 15:10 Finbond and Market Speculations 17:59 Larry Ellison and Oracle's Rise Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Summary In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown discusses various topics including the troubles faced by Anglo Platinum, the performance of leisure stocks, Anglo Gold Ashanti's* acquisition of an Egyptian gold miner, and the impact of two pot withdrawals. He also touches on the future of PGMs, the growth of electric vehicles, and the psychology of markets. Takeaways Anglo Platinum is facing challenges as Anglo American wants to get rid of their stake, causing a sell-off in the market. Anglo Platinum weekly chart The PGMs market is uncertain, with palladium and platinum prices experiencing fluctuations. The World Platinum Council projects a second year of meaningful platinum deficits, with jewelry demand expected to rise. The growth of electric vehicles is impacting the demand for PGMs, but the market is still uncertain. Investors should wait for positive price action before considering investments in PGMs. Anglo Gold Ashanti's acquisition of an Egyptian gold miner raises questions about the use of equity and the future of gold prices. Two pot withdrawals have resulted in over 4 billion rand being withdrawn from the market. Leisure stocks, such as City Lodge and Sun International, have mixed performance, with City Lodge experiencing lower occupancy rates. The growth of sports betting raises concerns about its impact on poorer individuals and the fairness of the industry. Sound Bites "Anglo Platinum has a problem which is perhaps a little more unique than just the PGMs." "There is that initial overhang. A whole lot of people will get Anglo-Platinum shares and say, 'I don't want these' and sell it." "The World Platinum Council is saying we're gonna have deficit again, that's the important point." Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order Chapters 00:00 Challenges for Anglo Platinum and the PGMs Market 02:22 The Future of PGMs and the Impact of Electric Vehicles 07:54 The World Platinum Council's Projections 09:16 The Diminishing Role of Internal Combustion Engines 11:09 The Impact of Low Prices on Production 14:55 Anglo Gold Ashanti's Acquisition and the Use of Equity 17:56 Pot Withdrawals and their Effect on the Market 19:18 Performance of Leisure Stocks: City Lodge and Sun International 19:42 Concerns about Sports Betting and its Impact 20:10 Upcoming Events: Investment Goals and the Psychology of Markets

Episode Summary: In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown delves into the impact of anticipated interest rate cuts and how they may affect various sectors and stocks. He shares his thoughts on potential beneficiaries like consumer stocks, REITs, and companies with high levels of debt. The episode also covers key updates on Nvidia's earnings, Nike's stock valuation, and a new ETF listing by ETFSA. Interest Rate Cuts and Market Impact: Jerome Powell's Jackson Hole Speech: The anticipation of rate cuts as early as September, with an expected reduction of around 75 basis points by the end of the year. Benefiting Sectors: Companies with significant debt, consumer stocks (Mr Price, Foschini, Shoprite), and REITs are likely to benefit from lower interest rates. Sector-Specific Insights: REITs: Discusses the potential for real estate investment trusts like Storage, Spear, and the concerns around office spaces with high vacancy rates. Consumer Stocks: Simon reiterates his positive outlook on consumer-focused companies and the strong performance of used and new car sales, highlighting stocks like CMH and Motus. Stock Analysis: Nvidia: With results due, Simon highlights the market's expectations and the potential for significant movement based on the earnings report. Nvidia | Close 27 aug 24 | Weekly chart Nike: Simon discusses Nike's current valuation, seeing it as a strong buy at its multi-decade support levels, despite its challenges. Nike | Close 27 aug 24 | Weekly chart ETF Updates: ETFSA's New Actively Managed ETF: Introduction of the Balanced Foundation ETF, which is actively managed due to the lack of a specific index and includes a mix of local and foreign equities, bonds, and property. Satrix Nasdaq ETF: The transition from a feeder fund to a standard fund, reducing total expense ratios and offering cost benefits to investors. Housekeeping: No Show Next Week: Simon will be on vacation and the podcast will resume on 12 September. Money Summit: Scheduled for 10 September in Johannesburg with free tickets available using the code "MONEYWEBGEST" at MoneySummit.co.za. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

ETFSA is listing an Actively Managed ETF, The ETFSA Balanced Foundation Prescient AMETF (JSE code: ETFSAB). Simon spoke with Gareth Stobie from ETFSA about the ETF, the listing process, where it fits in a portfolio and what it will be holding. IPO opens: 26 August 2024 Listing date: 02 September 2024 JSE code: ETFSAB TER: 0.52% ETFSAB

In this landmark 600th episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown reflects on the podcast's journey from its beginnings as a radio show in 2008 to becoming a leading podcast for market insights. The episode covers a range of topics, from South Africa's local CPI and a strengthening Rand to the surprising twists in the gold market and a mixed bag of corporate earnings. Local Inflation Data: South Africa's CPI has come in better than expected at 4.6%, fueling speculation on whether the next rate cut by the MPC might be more aggressive than anticipated. South Africa CPI | July 2024 Rand Strengthens: The Rand has shown significant strength, dropping below 18 to the dollar, with Simon analyzing the contributing factors, including foreign investment in bonds and a weakening US dollar. Bull Market Sentiment: Simon reaffirms the current bull market, highlighting the JSE's all-time highs and advising listeners to stay invested while cautioning against the risks of sitting on the sidelines. Top40 20 August 2024 | Weekly chart Gold Market Rally: Gold prices have surged above $2,500, driven by central banks' increased purchases and concerns about the US dollar's stability. Simon discusses the potential for further gains in the gold market. Corporate Earnings Recap: Coronation Fund Managers: Special dividend announced but falls short of expectations. CMH*: Despite low liquidity, the stock continues to climb, reflecting the breadth of the bull market. Sasol: Disappointing results with no dividend payout, a situation Simon had previously predicted. Spur Corporation: Strong earnings, signaling improving economic conditions. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Sasol's Struggles: Simon revisits Sasol's recent production and trading updates. Despite some positive news, the company's financials remain grim due to significant write-downs and a challenging pricing environment, especially in the chemical complex. With a forward PE ratio hovering around 3, Simon questions the actual value in Sasol and advises caution, emphasising the importance of waiting for a stock to show signs of recovery before investing. Sasol weekly chart | 13 August 2024 ADvTech's* Solid Performance: Simon provides insights into ADvTech's latest trading update. Despite a voluntary update (not mandated by a 20% variance), the company shows strong growth in earnings per share. He discusses the stock's valuation, historical performance, and why he remains optimistic about its future prospects, even as it trades at a PE ratio of around 15. ADvTech weekly chart | 13 August 2024 Combined Motor Holdings* (CMH): Simon shares his thoughts on CMH, a stock he has held for years. Despite a stagnant price movement over the past three years, the stock offers a solid dividend yield. He discusses the broader consumer environment, the potential impact of reduced interest rates, and why he continues to favour CMH over competitors like Motus. CMH weekly chart | 13 August 2024 Renegen's* Milestone: After a year and a half of delays, Renergen finally starts producing helium. While the stock has seen a recent uptick, Simon highlights the challenges that still lie ahead, including scaling up production and the company's upcoming NASDAQ listing. He also reflects on the broader sentiment in the junior mining sector. Coronation's Active ETFs: Coronation has launched six actively managed ETFs on the JSE, a significant development in the local ETF market. Simon explains the concept of actively managed ETFs and why this move could be a game-changer for both Coronation and the JSE, even if he personally isn't planning to invest in them. Find details here. US Inflation Update: The latest US CPI data shows a slight decrease to 2.9% for July, but core inflation remains elevated. Simon discusses the implications for future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and the potential impact on South African monetary policy. Tribute to Brett Duncan: Simon pays tribute to Brett Duncan, a former stockbroker and warrants market leader at Standard Bank, who recently passed away. Brett was a key figure in Simon's early career and played a significant role in the South African warrants market. His passing is a significant loss. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Apple's Financial Performance and Buffett's Decision: Apple's recent financial results showed steady revenue growth across various segments including iPhone, MacBooks, and iPads. Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in Apple by half, sparking market speculation. The implications of Apple's valuation and Buffett's strategy in maintaining a significant yet reduced position in Apple were discussed. Market Movements in Japan: The dramatic drop in Japan's Nikkei 225 index, which fell nearly 27% from its recent highs, was analyzed. Possible reasons behind the sell-off included the unwinding of the Japanese carry trade and broader market concerns about global economic stability. The role of low liquidity in exacerbating the market decline was highlighted. Nikkei 225 Nedbank's Financial Results: Nedbank reported solid financial results with HEP's up 11% and a near 15% return on equity. Improvements in impairments and concerns over the cost-to-income ratio were noted. The banking index's performance and its implications for Nedbank's stock were discussed. Anglogold Ashanti's* Performance: Anglogold Ashanti's strong production and profitability metrics were reviewed. The importance of holding gold miners and gold ETFs in the current market environment was emphasized. Launch of Ethereum ETFs: The approval of Ethereum ETFs by the US SEC was announced, with eight new ETFs available for trading in New York. The differences between Ethereum's proof-of-stake blockchain and Bitcoin's proof-of-work blockchain were explained. Potential implications for investors and the broader crypto market were discussed. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order

Jerome Powell's Statement: Rates left unchanged in the US. Possible rate cuts on the table for September. US MPC meeting on 19 September. Data needed: improving inflation and higher unemployment. Oil and Gold Market Update: Brent Crude: Under pressure, signaling weak global demand. Lower highs trend since June 2022. Support at $72.50 and resistance around $88. Brent Oil | 01 August 2024 Gold: Trading near all-time highs. Strong central bank buying. Uncertain targets, but bullish sentiment persists. Gold | 01 August 2024 Potential JSE Delistings: Criteria: Dividend yield > 0, market cap 100, P/E Initial search yielded 53 stocks, refined criteria (dividend yield > 5%) narrowed it down to 25. Top candidates: African Media Entertainment, Argent, Combined Motor Holdings*, eMedia, Frontier Transport, Home Choice, Mustek, PrimeServe, Transpaco. Shoprite*: Trading at all-time highs. 12% revenue increase, 6.3% like-for-like growth, 5.8% inflation. Successful new store formats (PetScience, Checkers Outdoor, UNIQ Clothing, Little Me). Woolies: Disappointing trading statement. Comparable store sales up 6.9%, inflation at 7%, volume decline. Heps down 14-19%, market expectation miss. RSA Retail Bonds Update: New Rates: Two-year at 8.75%, three-year at 9%, five-year at 10.25%. Rates have been declining since June. Simon Brown * I hold ungeared positions. All charts by KoyFin | Get 10% off your order