The JSE appears to be headed for a Santa Claus rally, rising for a seventh day yesterday. It's now up over 4% this month and has gained 9.5% this year. While it's an improvement, it's well behind some of the large global markets which have recorded fresh highs this month. Hopefully there's more to come. Sasol led the winners with a 6.4% rise, adding to Tuesday's near 12% gain after it resolved an issue at its Lake Charles Chemicals Project in the US that had cut output from its new ethane cracker by up to half its potential. MTN was also up as Phuthuma Nhleko stepped down as chair and was replaced by former finance minister Mcebisi Jonas, in line with the network operator's succession policy. Amongst the smaller shares, Stenprop jumped more than 5% after disposing of a German property as it focuses on the UK industrial sector. And Kibo Energy jumped 14% in very light trade after reminding investors how undervalued its shares are. More on those stories in your newsletter today, along with the initial results from metallurgical testing at Europa Metals' Toral project in Spain and an innovative credit facility negotiated by NEPI Rockcastle. Finally, if you haven't had a look yet but want to know how to 'politics-proof' your investment portfolio just in case the Santa Claus rally loses steam, you can access Ingham Analytics latest research here. I hope you have a good day. Stephen Gunnion Managing Editor, InceConnect |