Twitter was abuzz with the news that MultiChoice plans to offer content from Netflix and Amazon Prime as add-on services on its DStv platform in a bid to attract new customers - and retain existing customers who may otherwise be lured across to the global entertainment giants. It's likely to come at a cost though and will only be available to subscribers with its new Explora decoder. The video entertainment group's shares jumped 8.5% on the news, which came with the release of its first full-year results since it was unbundled by Naspers - and its promised maiden dividend. With dividends becoming scare in the current Covid-19 environment, Sygnia's shares also rose yesterday as it reported a strong increase in first-half profit and raised its interim dividend by 60%. Meanwhile, Hyprop, which recently withdrew its interim dividend due to Covid-19, says activity is picking up at its shopping centres. It still expects an impact on earnings this year as it negotiates lower rentals with struggling tenants. More on those stories to follow, along with news that Anglo American Platinum expects repairs at one of its converter plants to be completed next week. While its shares fell yesterday, they weren't down as much as some of its peers. I hope you have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect
The latest from Ingham Analytics. It is not just equity markets that have been volatile. Indeed, foreign exchange (FX), by far the largest and most liquid of all the markets, has had a roller coaster ride. According to data compiled by the Bank for International Settlements, trading in FX markets reached $6.6 trillion per day in April 2019, up from $5.1 trillion three years earlier. The US dollar is the leading unit of account, being on one side of 88% of all trades. In "What do the currencies say?" Ingham Analytics looks at current developments in FX and guides on where to continue finding profitable trading opportunities. Sasol was clobbered by close to 20% yesterday, a swift fall after a sharp rise from just above R20 in March. Ingham Analytics includes Sasol in their core coverage and over several months they have guided on how to exploit trading opportunities. Sasol, they say, is one for the traders to play on volatility. This Monday, they commented: "maybe time for profit taking?" How true that was, after hitting R182 on Tuesday it closed at R139.89 yesterday. You can read "Henry sends a message" and other Sasol notes on their website. Other recent topical notes include "Illusory value", on Prosus/Naspers/Tencent, and "South African banks' balance sheets surge". |