| If, like me, you've been working from home since March you've probably relied on a lot more technology to get your work done. Apart from a computer and decent WiFi, your employer may also have forked out on remote access solutions for home working and virtual office environments, as well as better network security. These are just a few of the requirements. Like Datatec, Alviva says there has been healthy demand for its products and services due to remote working requirements. While positive for some technology companies, the lockdown has been negative for the office property sector. Liberty Two Degrees has reported a rise in office vacancies due to the work-from-home trend but a big improvement in consumers returning to its shopping centres - and tenants paying their rent. More on those stories to follow in today's newsletter, along with the negative impact of Covid-19 on investment groups Remgro and Ethos Capital. Meanwhile, with rhodium smashing through recent highs, Rand Swiss's Gary Booysen asks whether you should be buying? He also conveniently lists the world's five largest rhodium producers, which are all listed on the JSE. Finally, I may have spoken to soon about the JSE ending down for a second month. Shares rallied yesterday, levelling out some of the month's losses. The markets are now looking to today's debate between US President Donald Trump and presidential challenger Joe Biden ahead of November's election. I hope you have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect
The latest from Ingham Analytics With Ant Group, an associate company within the Alibaba stable, planning an IPO in Shanghai and Hong Kong the financial services company is opening up disclosure. At a targeted market value of $200bn, Tencent will have a stand-alone competitor. Tencent's WeChat Pay is a smaller but considerable competitor say Ingham Analytics in "Ant(icipating) a listing", an event that won't be lost on Prosus and Naspers. The rand share price of both Naspers and Prosus on the JSE is flattered year-to-date by rand weakness and both have underperformed relative to Tencent, but is it time to buy or stay away? For investors interested in gold, the latest note on the gold market entitled "All that glitters?" will be useful reading. Do you invest in gold-backed ETFs or gold shares? The US equity markets have again wobbled and seem precariously placed and so "Uh-ho!" is a timely pointer from top trader Andrew Kinsey on where to be positioned. | 