| Global markets edged higher ahead of the Christmas long weekend, with the JSE adding a third of a percent in a shortened trading day on Thursday. News of a trade deal between the UK and the European Union helped to improve sentiment after concern about a new, more virulent variant of the coronavirus sent markets into a spin earlier in the week. Sasol aided the local market's gains as Brent crude oil held above $50 a barrel, supported by the Brexit deal. MTN led the loser board, declining by 4.1% despite news that Nigeria's government has extended the deadline for new SIM card registrations until early February. In a thin news day, BHP Group's shares rose after it said it was restarting its jointly-owned Samarco operations in Brazil more than five years after a dam at its iron ore mine collapsed in the country's worst environmental disaster. More on that story to follow, along with annual results from investment company Marshall Monteagle and MAS Real Estate's latest disposal as it focuses its property portfolio on Central and Eastern Europe. Meanwhile, AB InBev has sold a minority stake in its US metal container plants in a deal that will help it reduce debt. Whether you're on holiday or back at work, I hope you have a good week. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect
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