| European stock markets perked up a little yesterday, cushioning the JSE's fall, on hopes that a trade deal between the UK and the European Union can still be reached by the end of the year. That helped offset growing concern about the new, more virulent variant of the coronavirus, which has sent much of the UK back into a tougher lockdown. Other European countries are also tightening restrictions, impacting NEPI Rockcastle's portfolio of shopping centres in Central and Eastern Europe. The property company says Poland and Slovakia are now ordering the closure of all non-essential retailers, impacting its centres in the region. Meanwhile, Stenprop continues to exit the retail sector in favour of industrial properties in the UK, which it expects to remain resilient in the uncertain environment that will result from Brexit. Also today, Kibo Energy has struck a coal supply deal for its Benga Power Plant Project in Mozambique and Basil Read says it expects to wind up its remaining construction contracts early next year. In the latest edition of Today's Trustee, editorial director Allan Greenblo argues that pension funds must specify to government precisely their terms and conditions for participation in infrastructure investment. Finally, the Magic Markets podcast has made it to No. 1 in SA on the Apple chart in the "investing" category. If you haven't listened in yet, follow this link to hear what The Finance Ghost and Moe-Knows (macroeconomic guru Mohammed Nalla) have to say about key market trends. I hope you have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect
The latest from Ingham Analytics As year-end approaches it is timely to take stock of portfolio management in 2020, one of considerable upheaval and volatility. In planning your strategy for 2021, "Wither portfolio management, or not?" has a thought-provoking look at what a US-focused portfolio achieved in 2020. Top trader Andrew Kinsey has some surprising statistics and outcomes to share. And with Tesla making an end-of-year splash, "Credit where credit is due?" is a timely analysis. Tencent, too, has had a strong run but as "Gaming for change" asks, is it a bit pricey now? | 