In the final show of the year Simon looks back at the many local and offshore winners (and a few losers) of 2024. There have been some excellent returns, but will they carry on into 2025?

• Boxer* (JSE code will be BOX) lists on 28 November, debuting at R54/share after a highly oversubscribed IPO.
• Strategies discussed for trading or investing in Boxer shares, including buying through Pick n Pay shares.
• Key takeaway: Patience is key; wait for potential pullbacks.

• Early evidence of consumer spending from the two-pot retirement system.
• Stocks like Mr. Price*, Pepkor, and Keith McLachlan’s picks (e.g., Afrimat, Netcare) reviewed as beneficiaries.

• Launched in 2000, the Satrix 40 has delivered an annualized return of 11.3%.
• Impact: Introduced passive investing and slashed fees for South African investors.

• Bitcoin fell short of the $100K milestone, retracing to around $93K.
• Analysis of big psychological levels in markets and what this means for Bitcoin's momentum.

Bitcoin | Weekly | 27 November 2024

• Anglo-American reduces its stake in Anglo-Platinum, selling at cycle lows.
• Discussion on PGM market challenges and future outlook.

• Announced 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports and 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada.
• Potential economic implications and geopolitical fallout analysed.

• The Rand holds surprisingly well despite DXY strength; predictions for 2024 suggest potential recovery.
• Gold price fluctuations and long-term bullish outlook.

US$ Index (DXY) | Weekly | 27 November 2024

• Coffee prices hit 20-year highs due to Brazilian droughts, impacting consumer costs.
• Cocoa prices stabilise after a surge, with Nestlé and soft commodity ETFs in focus.

• SG Fleet receives a buyout offer, boosting share prices.
• Opportunities in second-tier stocks like Invicta and Hudaco highlighted for a potentially improving economic environment.

• South African Reserve Bank increases rates by 0.25%, citing risks from core inflation and external pressures.

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00:00 Market Overview and Boxer IPO Insights 03:08 Two-Pot Money and Consumer Spending Trends 06:03 Satrix 40: A 24-Year Retrospective 08:51 Bitcoin's Psychological Barriers and Market Sentiment 11:40 Anglo-American's Strategic Moves and Market Reactions 14:58 Commodity Prices: Coffee and Cocoa Trends 17:49 Monetary Policy Committee Decisions and Economic Outlook

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• Local CPI at 2.8%, yet prime is 11.5% ahead of the MPC decision this afternoon.
• The gap is far to wide, SARB needs to cut aggressively.

South Africa | Prime vs. CPI

• Gold has bounced, but is this for real?
• Bitcoin heading for US$100k

• The US$ remains string and is hurting the Rand.

US$ Index

• Good results
• Paid back R1.1billion short-term debt
• But volatile, a trading stock.

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Crypto Surge, Gold Decline: Bitcoin rallies as investors shift from gold to crypto. Gold hit a recent high of $2,800 but is now pulling back, possibly towards $2,300-$2,400. Central banks continue to buy gold as a hedge against U.S. dollar dominance and geopolitical risks.

[caption id="attachment_43623" align="aligncenter" width="849"] Gold | Weekly | 13 November 2024

Rand Weakness: The ZAR weakened above 18 to the dollar, driven by strong U.S. dollar demand amidst market volatility. South African Rand overshoots due to its high liquidity, making it vulnerable to sharp moves.

Market speculation suggests Trump may be crypto-friendly, unlike the current SEC chair Gary Gensler, known for his strict regulatory stance. Potential shifts in the regulatory landscape could benefit cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin.

Simon holds Bitcoin and advises caution: ensure crypto is stored in a hardware wallet for safety.

Bitcoin | Weekly | 13 November 2024

Both companies struggle with weakened African currencies like the Ethiopian Birr and Egyptian Pound. Profits are impacted when converted back to ZAR.

Despite attractive dividend yields (MTN ~4%, Vodacom ~5.6%), Simon remains bearish, highlighting high capex demands and sector challenges.

Strong results from Raubex, showing resilience in a struggling sector. Diversification into renewable energy and mining operations boosts performance.

Simon notes it as one of the few quality construction plays left, alongside Afrimat.

Updates from AVI and BidCorp indicate persistent weak consumer demand, despite optimism from a possible government of national unity. Inflation has eased, but consumer spending remains subdued as households repair balance sheets.

Retail updates show mixed results: Truworths reported disappointing numbers, while The Foschini Group* performed better.

Tencent posted strong results, though it did not significantly boost Naspers or Prosus stock prices. The market reaction was muted despite the solid performance.

The market remains volatile, with significant moves in crypto, gold, and the Rand. Simon advises a cautious approach, with a focus on quality stocks and long-term plays.

Remember: be kind and look out for others. Kindness is rule number one.

Simon Brown

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00:00 Market Overview: Crypto vs Gold 02:50 The Trump Effect on Gold and Crypto 06:01 The Future of the Rand and Emerging Markets 08:55 Sector Analysis: Vodacom, MTN, and Raubex 16:02 Consumer Trends and Company Updates

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Episode Summary: Simon Brown dives into the week’s biggest financial and economic stories, covering Trump’s election win, Nvidia's inclusion in the Dow, rate cuts expected from the FOMC and BOE, and the latest updates on Murray & Roberts, palladium, and gold. Recorded after market open, this episode sheds light on key trades, trends, and the shifting global landscape.

• Trump’s presidential win sparks market reactions, with immediate rallies in the S&P, Nasdaq, and Bitcoin.
• Simon discusses potential policy impacts, such as tariffs, technology restrictions on China, and implications for commodities, oil, and the South African economy.
• Notes on the uncertainty of Trump’s policies and their potential effects on inflation, EVs, and cryptocurrency.

• Nvidia enters the Dow Jones, replacing Intel. Simon critiques the Dow's price-based index system but acknowledges Nvidia’s stock performance, fuelled by strong demand from major tech firms.
• Discussion on how Nvidia's AI hardware demand could shape future stock gains.

Nvidia | Weekly chart | Close 06 Nov 24

• Murray & Roberts faces project downscaling from De Beers, revealing challenges tied to low diamond demand.
• Simon examines the ripple effects across the mining and construction sectors, highlighting how competitor data can provide insights.

• Palladium and gold face downward pressure; Simon explores reasons for the dips, including potential G7 sanctions on Russian palladium.
• Simon highlights that gold’s long-term appeal remains strong, driven by central banks diversifying away from U.S. dollars into gold.

Gold | Weekly chart | 07 Nov 24

• Rate cuts anticipated from the FOMC and Bank of England as central banks shift to a rate-cutting cycle. Insights on the potential impact on global markets and currency dynamics.

• ASML’s forward guidance disappoints, affecting semiconductor market outlook. Simon explains the unique position of ASML in the AI chip supply chain and its long-term value as a buy-the-dip candidate.

• CrowdStrike's recovery following a Microsoft update issue and Delta lawsuit. Simon assesses the stock’s growth potential in the cybersecurity space.

Listener Takeaway: Markets remain unpredictable but resilient, with global relations, tech policies, and central bank strategies driving shifts. Simon emphasizes informed trading and the long view in these uncertain times.

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Disclaimers: The JSE Direct podcast is independent of JSE Limited and reflects Simon Brown’s views, not necessarily those of the JSE. Always consider risks when investing.

• Inflation at 3.8% - lowest since March 2021 (3.5 years ago)
• Well below SARB's target range midpoint of 4.5%
• Q3 year-on-year inflation at 4.3% (vs SARB's expected 4.4%)

SA CPI YonY September 2024

• Rate cut expected, but size uncertain
• Possibility of 25bps vs 50bps cut
• Factors affecting decision:
  • Rand weakness
  • Rising oil prices
  • Global economic conditions

Important titbit about today's SA headline CPI print. It meant that CPI rose by 4.3% y/y in Q3 2024. In Sept, SARB expected 4.4% for Q3, implying Sept print largely in line with their expectations. Therefore, today's number will not change SARB's thinking. Folks should calm down.

— Hugo Pienaar (@hugopien) October 23, 2024

• US Dollar showing significant strength
• DXY moved from 100.42 to 104.33 (≈4% increase in one month)
• Strong capital flows into US
• Rand trading at R17.73
• Potential to move above R18
• Long-term targets of R16.80 and R15.50 looking less likely short-term

• Potential implications of different outcomes
• Trump's proposed policies could be inflationary:
  • Planned tariffs
  • Immigration restrictions
• Impact on labor markets and prices

• Demonstration of AI analysis using Google Notebook LM
• Key findings:
  • Leading Brands: Operating margin >50%
  • Signature Brands: Operating margin -6.7%
  • Manufacturing: Improved margins due to diesel savings
  • Geographic performance varies:
    • South Africa: 1.8% margin
    • UK operations showing significant decline
    • Cash generation at R498 million (7% decrease)
    • Plans for 89 new stores

Chapters

00:00 Local Inflation and Economic Outlook 06:01 Using AI for Investment Analysis 12:06 Famous Brands Results Analysis 18:05 Comparative Analysis with SPUR

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• Retail sales show a positive trend, rising 3.2% in August, exceeding expectations of 2.1%.
• The Two-Pot System has already released R20 billion in six weeks, with the money used mainly for paying down debt, saving, and spending.
• Retail sales recovery, though from a low base, is a strong indicator of improved consumer health due to factors like slightly lower interest rates and inflation.

South African retail sales | YonY

• Simon reflects on the passing of Tito Mboweni, former Finance Minister and Reserve Bank Governor.
• Mboweni’s contributions include institutionalising the Reserve Bank’s MPC meetings and implementing key labor reforms during his tenure as Labor Minister.
• His lasting impact on the country’s economy and financial sectors was highlighted, along with his personality as a Twitter chef and self-styled "Duke of Magoebaskloof."

• Simon shares his reasons for holding Johnson & Johnson: consistent dividend growth (around 3% yield) and a steady 8% annual share price growth in US dollars.
• Despite some issues, the company offers reliable long-term returns in a competitive health and consumer space.

Johnson & Johnson quarterly dividend payments

• Bytes operates in the UK, offering hardware, software, and services. The stock showed mixed market reactions but has strong support around certain levels.
• With a forward P/E of 20 and a dividend yield of 3.6%, Simon sees it as an interesting opportunity for long-term investors in the tech space.

• Quilter’s strong Q3 results follow a good first half of the year, with significant inflows supporting future earnings.
• A solid financial services player with a dividend yield near 4% and a forward P/E of 15, Quilter is performing well and trading at all-time highs since its 2018 listing.

• Simon discusses Sasol’s ongoing struggles, with a weak chart suggesting possible further declines.
• Investors should wait for technical indicators before making any moves.

• Brent crude oil hit highs recently but is now retreating to $70 per barrel, with potential for further declines due to global oversupply.
• The rand, affected by dollar strength, is volatile but could see a return to 16.80 against the dollar in the coming months.

00:00 Retail Sales Recovery and Economic Outlook 04:29 Tribute to Tito Mboweni 08:32 Johnson & Johnson: A Steady Investment 09:52 Bytes Technology Group: Market Reactions 12:32 Quilter's Strong Performance 14:29 Cecil's Ongoing Struggles 15:56 Brent Oil Prices and Global Economy 17:48 Volatility of the Rand and Market Predictions

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Overview:

In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown breaks down the latest market updates, key stock analyses, and insights into the South African investment landscape. Episode highlights include discussions on property developers Calgro M3 and Balwin, Capitec’s strong performance, Purple Group’s rise, Afrimat’s challenging update, and Wilson Bailey’s long-term chart breakout. The show also covers upcoming events and Brown's views on Nvidia’s stock movement.

• Calgro M3: Delivered a strong trading update, attributed to its flexibility in targeting lower-income segments. Calgro’s ability to adapt and scale down offerings positions it well, with potential for significant price appreciation. Trading at a low PE of 3.5, Brown argues that in a normal market, it should command a 10x PE, suggesting a fair value of around R9.
• Balwin: Struggling with higher entry price points in its developments. Despite weaker performance, there may still be value. If results improve in the future, Balwin could present a solid opportunity. Brown speculates that a delisting could be on the cards if the stock remains undervalued.

Calgro M3 weekly chart | Close 09 October 2024

• Capitec continues to outperform with robust growth, though it trades at a high PE of 27 and a price-to-book of 7.8. Despite concerns about its premium valuation, the company’s diverse ventures, from mobile services to expanding insurance offerings, make it a long-term core portfolio holding. Historical growth shows Capitec’s resilience and market leadership in the South African banking sector.

• After months of a consistent seller at 80 cents, Purple Group’s stock broke higher, reaching 98 cents before pulling back. Brown remains optimistic, particularly as trading volumes in the JSE pick up, benefiting Purple’s core business. Although trading at a high PE of 45, Brown is bullish about its prospects in a rising market.

• Afrimat’s trading update indicated a sharp drop in earnings (down 75-85%), partly due to the acquisition of Lafarge, which is still loss-making. While the near-term outlook is challenging, Brown remains optimistic about Afrimat’s long-term potential, especially if South Africa enters a construction boom. He sees the stock as attractively priced for long-term investors.

• Brown discusses WBHO’s impressive 17-year chart, finally breaking out after a long consolidation period. He suggests the stock could benefit from renewed local construction activity, while Afrimat remains his preferred pick in the sector due to its diversification into industrial metals.

A breakout after a 17-year consolidation is very bullish in TA. Add the fundamental underpin. I think this still has lots of room to run. pic.twitter.com/fBk5BCKtvk

— Richard Thomason (@richytee) October 9, 2024

• Nvidia, another stock Brown holds, is testing all-time highs after a series of consolidations. With Nvidia's historical pattern of doubling after breaking key resistance levels, Brown remains confident in the stock's potential for further growth despite its high valuation.

Nvidia weekly chart | Close 09 October 2024

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Chapters 00:00 Market Overview and Calgro M3 vs Balwin 07:11 Capitec's Performance and Future Outlook 12:43 Exploring Other Stocks: Purple Group and Afrimat 18:15 Long-term Trends: Wilson Bailey and Nvidia

Stimulus Measures: The Chinese government has initiated a stimulus, which includes cutting reserve requirements and lowering interest rates. While spending has not picked up fully, the China 50 ETF (in US dollars) has wiped out losses dating back to July 2022. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index shows a similar trend.

Market Sentiment: Short squeezes have played a role in pushing the prices of big Chinese companies like Alibaba and Tencent higher. Despite concerns about China's long-term investability (raised by experts like Viv Govender of Rand Swiss), Simon remains optimistic about continued growth in the medium term.

Shift in Hot Money: There's been a notable shift away from tech stocks like Apple and Nvidia, with more capital flowing towards China in recent days. Simon discusses the potential for short-term pullbacks, but he sees this as an opportunity.

Top Performers: Property ETFs have outperformed, with the CSPROP, Satrix Property, and 1nvest Property ETFs gaining between 30% and 31.7% over nine months ending in September 2023.

Underperformers: ETFs linked to palladium, platinum, and tech innovation (e.g., Sygnia’s Fourth Industrial Revolution ETF and Satrix Healthcare Innovation ETF) have shown negative returns.

Simon expects further growth in the property sector but at a more moderate pace than this year’s 30% returns. He highlights the potential impact of upcoming interest rate cuts, consumer spending at malls, and the demand for yield as government bond rates decrease. Some REITs, particularly those in rural and township retail spaces, are performing exceptionally well.

The market tends to move ahead of the cuts based on expectations, but technically any cut is great for cheaper debt and more consumer spending at the underlying properties, plus a lower rate for the valuations which means a higher present value. So yes, they can keep going.

— The Finance Ghost (@FinanceGhost) October 2, 2024

The Rand has seen fluctuations, dipping to as low as 17.02 against the US dollar and facing pressures from global events such as the Iranian attack on Israel and rising oil prices. Simon expects the Rand to strengthen and potentially break below 17, possibly reaching levels as low as 14.

Oil Prices: OPEC is grappling with maintaining production discipline. Oil prices are likely to hover around $70 per barrel, which is positive news for South African consumers in terms of petrol prices. South African PMI and Vehicle Sales

PMI: South Africa’s PMI for September was positive, indicating slight economic expansion. The absence of load shedding and lower interest rates have contributed to the improved outlook.

Vehicle Sales: September saw better-than-average vehicle sales (44,000 units). Simon emphasizes the potential upside in companies like Combined Motor Holdings (CMH), which has started to perform after years of stagnation. Investment Strategy in a Bull Market

September SA vehicle sales

Simon reiterates his bullish stance, noting that while there will be pullbacks (up to 10% corrections), the overall trend remains upward. He advises staying long in the market, especially in a bull phase.

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Summary: In this episode of JSE Direct, Simon Brown delves into the latest developments in South African markets, focusing on the impact of China's major economic stimulus and the strengthening of the Rand. Key highlights include:

Rand Strength: The Rand has seen notable appreciation, reaching levels of R17.12 to the US dollar. Simon discusses the drivers behind this, particularly US dollar weakness and foreign purchases of South African bonds. He explores possible future movements, with a target of R16.80 and potential for further strengthening.

USDZAR | Weekly | 26 Sep 24

Global Stimulus: China's massive stimulus measures, including relaxed lending rules for banks and lower interest rates, are aimed at boosting consumer demand. This is the largest Chinese stimulus since 2008, with significant potential to impact global commodities and bolster the South African economy.

Commodities & Bull Market: The commodities market is seeing positive movement, with Chinese demand driving up prices for industrial metals like copper, iron ore, and coal. Simon notes how the previous commodity bull run in 2021 significantly strengthened the Rand and discusses the potential for a similar scenario if China's economy continues to gain momentum.

Market Performance: South Africa is outperforming other emerging markets, particularly Brazil and Mexico, over the past six months. Simon explains the drivers of this outperformance and highlights the continuing bull run in the JSE Top 40 and All-Share indices.

SA Equities: Our fortunes have changed significantly since the GNU was formed in June. SA has dramatically outperformed (in US$) not only Emerging markets in general, but Brazil & Mexico. SA has tilted more centrist, with a focus on the economy. Brazil & Mexico both shifted left. pic.twitter.com/Zz6OOM4dCJ

— Karin Richards (@Richards_Karin) September 23, 2024

Rate Cuts: South Africa and several other global economies, including the US and Europe, have entered a rate-cutting cycle. Simon emphasises the importance of this for markets, especially property stocks, which are benefiting from lower bond yields and improved investor sentiment.

JSE Index Changes: Anglo Platinum has been removed from the JSE Top 40 index, replaced by Pepkor. Simon discusses why Pepkor’s entry is significant, given its position as a retailer and its attractive valuation compared to competitors.

• Rand’s strengthening trajectory and foreign capital inflows.
• China's economic stimulus and its potential effects on global commodities.
• Outlook for South Africa’s bond and equity markets.
• Changes in the JSE Top 40 index with Pepkor replacing Anglo Platinum.
• Global rate-cutting trends and their impact on local property stocks.

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Episode Overview:

In this episode, Simon Brown dives into the current economic landscape with a focus on interest rates, inflation, and the state of the South African Rand (ZAR). He also explores asset-light businesses and why they make great investments, followed by a breakdown of the latest market activity and local company results.

• South African CPI (August): 4.4%.
• A possible drop to 3.5% in October discussed with Johan Els, Chief Economist at Old Mutual.
• The need for rate cuts to stimulate the economy, with experts debating between 0.25% and 0.5% cuts.
• Fed decision and its potential market impact.

SA Prime and CPI September 2024

• Rand showing strength, potentially reaching sub-17 levels.
• Global market highs: S&P 500, NASDAQ, and JSE Top 40.
• Consumer confidence in the US and South Africa rising but still negative.

• A strong bounce in PGM stocks, driven by oversold positions and palladium production cuts.
• Palladium’s recent performance and its potential future breakouts.

Palladium weekly chart | 18 September 2024

• Definition and benefits of asset-light businesses (e.g., Santova, Nvidia).
• Simon breaks down why businesses with fewer physical assets can provide higher returns on equity and efficiency.
• Comparison to asset-heavy businesses like banks and retailers.
• A deep dive into asset-light models like Shein, Temu, and logistics firms.

• Outsurance: Strong financial results and special dividends; analysis of the short-term insurance industry’s ability to reprice premiums annually.
• Altvest IPO: Simon discusses the upcoming Altvest IPO on the JSE and why he's not taking part in it, despite its interesting SME funding model.
• Finbond: A look at the excitement surrounding Finbond’s potential delisting and the company’s moves in the US market.

"Rate cuts are coming, and I think we'll see a short-term sell-off as markets react." "Asset-light businesses like Santova and Shein are great investment opportunities because they don't carry the heavy burden of owning physical assets." "Outsurance continues to impress with strong numbers and dividends, proving the strength of short-term insurers."

Chapters 00:00 Economic Landscape and Rate Decisions 03:09 Understanding Asset-Light Businesses 05:54 Market Psychology and Upcoming Events 09:11 Local Results and Investment Insights 11:52 Exploring New Investment Opportunities 15:10 Finbond and Market Speculations 17:59 Larry Ellison and Oracle's Rise

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