Lofty ambitions and lots of money

Good morning Voornaam,

Happy Wednesday! At this time of year, we celebrate every day of the week. At least we still know which day it is, unlike between Christmas and New Year when the very fabric of space and time is called into question.

'Tis the season to reap the rewards of good financial decisions. It's also the time of year when regret can easily creep in about things that you wish had been different, like that new car repayment that wasn't really necessary and now sits like an albatross around your neck. The good news is that we are all human and all do these things. The better news is that it's possible to learn from the mistakes and repeat the things that worked. To help you with money dysmorphiaRené Basson of Satrix joined me on the latest Ghost Stories podcast to explain what this issue means and why it can apply to people regardless of their financial strength. Be sure to listen to it here>>>

In the final episode of Magic Markets for the year (other than for our paying subscribers), Mohammed Nalla and I looked back on the assets that really moved the dial this year. Gold, bitcoin, the US markets - they all feature. Of course, we also discussed regional highlights like South Africa and China, as well as the troubles in Europe. This is a perfect way to wrap the year>>>

In company news, Tyme Group (in which African Rainbow Capital has an important stake) is now valued at $1.5 billion after a Series D capital raise of $250 million. Aside from African Rainbow Capital putting some more money in, the group attracted investment from Nubank as leaders of the round with a $150 million investment. They certainly aren't playing games at Tyme, with an ambition to become a top three retail bank in South Africa! Watch this story closely.

In far less happy news, Metair got out of Turkey in the end with very little to show for it. The debts kept growing while the deal was being concluded, with the selling price for that business adjusted accordingly. At least they got out with something in the end, as we've seen other examples on the JSE recently of companies having to pay someone else to drag their mistakes away.

Other news includes power issues at Jubilee in Zambia, a drilling update at Orion, an acquisition of property by Sirius Real Estate in Germany and the finalisation of Transaction Capital's Road Cover disposal.

Get all the details on these stories and the various Nibbles (including the all-important director dealings) in Ghost Bites here>>>

For a lighter read and a reminder of just how crazy a year can be, Dominique Olivier tells the story of Haliey Welch - and yes, that's the correct spelling. Better known as Hawk Tuah Girl, Welch went from obscurity to immense fame literally overnight, with the latest controversy being allegations of crypto fraud. It's been quite the year for her, as explained here>>>

Have a great day!

THE TRADER'S HANDBOOK: Building your trading blueprint - the season finale

In this final episode of The Trader’s Handbook, Shaun Murison joined me to wrap up an insightful season by exploring the cornerstone of trading success: crafting a solid trading plan.

From setting realistic goals and managing risks to refining strategies and maintaining discipline, we covered the essentials that help traders stay on course in a chaotic market.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to fine-tune your approach, this episode provides actionable advice. Don’t miss this culmination of key lessons and practical tips to elevate your trading game. The podcast and detailed transcript are available here>>>

SATRIX: Beating Money Dysmorphia

To close out the year, René Basson of Satrix made her debut on Ghost Stories for a fascinating conversation on the topic of money dysmorphia. This is a mismatch between financial behaviour and financial means - and yes, it can work in both directions i.e. whether you have plenty of money or not enough!

We also talked about gender-based biases in personal finance, as well as insightful statistics from the SatrixNOW platform.

Along with a detailed transcript, you'll find it here>>>

MIC Khulisani Ventures is looking for entrepreneurs

Raising equity funding is not easy for small businesses in South Africa, but thankfully the Mineworkers Investment Company's (MIC) Khulisani Ventures initiative is an early-stage funding vehicle that provides capital for businesses that are ready to aggressively grow.

Along with a detailed transcript, you'll find it here>>>

DOMINIQUE OLIVIER - One weird year for Haliey Welch

A moment of internet fame can catapult almost anyone from anonymity to a household name. But is there a way to transform all that newfound fame into cold, hard cash? Dominique Olivier tracks Haliey Welch’s one-year journey from obscurity to internet sensation to potential crypto villain in this article>>>

Ghost Bites - local company news:

Ghost Bites: The latest on African Rainbow Capital, Jubilee, Metair, Orion, Sirius Real Estate, Transaction Capital and numerous Nibbles in Ghost Bites here>>>

Ghost Wrap - five insights from November

Ghost Wrap: In a new format, I look back on key insights from November including the property sector, the demand for IPOs, the uptick in poultry businesses and more. Brought to you by Forvis Mazars, the podcast and transacript are available here>>>

Unlock the Stock - KAL Group

Unlock the Stock: KAL Group joined the platform for the first time to talk about the performance and strategic focus areas in the broader agriculture industry. Enjoy the presentation and Q&A here>>>

MAGAnomics: Trump and the global economy

What impact will Trump’s presidency have on the global economy and emerging markets? Tune in to the latest episode of the No Ordinary Wednesday podcast for insights from Investec experts, Annabel Bishop (SA) and Ellie Henderson (UK).

International Business Snippet:

Pfizer (remember them?) is in the midst of a turnaround story, which tells you just how quickly things changed in a post-COVID world. Surprisingly, sales of the COVID vaccine are expected to be similar in 2025 to 2024. The frustation for investors (including some activist investors) is that the R&D pipeline has been light outside of that vaccine, with the share price trading over 50% lower than the pandemic peaks!

As always, be careful of market hype and bubbles, especially when there aren't logical reasons for the "good" times to continue. Those inverted commas were desperately needed in this case.

Speaking of retail, our latest research in Magic Markets Premium is on Lululemon. Having come off hard this year (and giving me a buying opportunity or two along the way), the share price seems to be turning. Can they make their American business great again? Subscribers find out this week.

Magic Markets: Blockchain technology in financial markets

Magic Markets: With crypto all the rage again, there isn't enough focus on how underlying blockchain technology can play a role in the markets. Mesh.trade and AnBro are working together to make it easier to invest in AnBro's funds. Find out more here>>>

Macroeconomic indicators

Key Indicators: USD/ZAR R18.07/$ | US 10yr 4.39% | Gold $2,645/oz | Platinum $939/oz | Brent Crude $72.85