World markets are marking time as the year draws to a close, with new stimulus measures in the US and last week's trade accord between the UK and Europe offsetting concern about the coronavirus pandemic. However, with limited liquidity, traders say there's no real conviction.

The JSE gained 0.4% yesterday, assisted by a recovery in heavyweights Naspers and Prosus, while Sasol also improved thanks to a firmer oil price and a weaker rand after President Cyril Ramaphosa imposed tougher lockdown restrictions.

Stenprop rose after announcing that it had disposed of another German retail property as it switches focus to industrial properties in the UK. More on that story to follow.

In Today's Trustee, editorial director Allan Greenblo looks at a proposal put forward by DA member of parliament Dion George for retirement fund members to borrow against their pension savings due to the hardships created by Covid-19 lockdowns.

Finally, Stphane Monier, chief investment officer at Banque Lombard Odier & Cie, discusses the rising global public and private debt that will be a lasting legacy of Covid-19.

Have a good day.

Stephen Gunnion

Managing Editor, InceConnect