| Latest growth numbers have put the economy on course for a very weak outcome this year. GDP shrank by 0.6% in the third quarter of the year from three months earlier when it grew by 3.2%. Analysts polled by Reuters had pencilled in a 0.1% quarter-on-quarter expansion. The rand didn't like the news, weakening from around R14.50 to the US dollar almost to R14.70. Although that benefited gold and platinum counters on the JSE, the market still ended 0.6% lower as it followed other global markets down. Among the gainers, Curro rose after it announced the acquisition of a school and two preschools that will grow its presence in Gauteng. Orion Minerals declined despite announcing growing interest in its Prieska Copper-Zinc Project in the Northern Cape. And Grindrod Shipping also declined after extending the termination date of its IVS Bulk joint venture for a third time as it continues negotiations to raise finance. More on those stories in today's newsletter, along with results from struggling New Frontier Properties and the winning bidder for Choppies' South African supermarkets. Finally, Bridge Capital has selected another investment opportunity that will give you the chance to own shares in Africa's very first eco-smart city. Blythedale Coastal Estate in KwaZulu-Natal is a R16 billion development project that will make the most of the country's pristine subtropical coastline - without spoiling it. Uprise.Africa and Bridge Capital have combined strengths to carefully identify and select the most promising new investment opportunities. Bridge has a 20 year proven track record as a corporate advisory and M&A consultancy, and its expertise has been brought into play in identifying the best opportunities with the highest chance of outperforming other investments. Uprise.Africa is South Africa's first and only regulated equity crowdfunding platform, providing an innovative space for capital raising and small business investment. The platform is disrupting the traditional funding landscape by providing an alternative, democratic method for businesses to raise capital, making the funding landscape more accessible to both entrepreneurs and investors. Click here if you'd like to find out more and take advantage of this limited opportunity. I hope you have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect
For many relatively wealthy South Africans the question has become not whether to invest offshore, but how. The need to diversify one's emerging market currency risks has become a burning one as South Africa's hoped-for political and economic recovery seems stuck in surreal slow motion. One of the asset classes many are looking at now is an investment in offshore real estate, which in some cases is made all the more attractive by the bonus of a 'Plan B' residency programme. Portugal's Golden Visa programme springs to mind here, in a country that has the additional advantages of a great climate, a well-run, business-friendly government, and one of Europe's top-performing property markets. Click here to find out more. | 