Sygnia's CEO intrigues me: "very excited" about SA's growth prospects post GNU, BUT too scared to live in SA due to safety concerns. Sounds a bit contradictory.

As an indication of how profitable on-line gaming is in SA, 51% of Lottostar was purchased by Betfred of the UK for GBP185m in October 2022. In its first year of ownership Betfred's accounts indicate it made GBP40m profit, per recent filings at Companies Office, London.

You need a PhD in finance to understand the Blue Label Financial Statements. But where ever you look, Cell C debt is evident. Core business in decline, although partially offset by ancillary commissions from bus tickets/electricity etc. Complex to say the least.

PnP - increased promotional activity evident both in stores and in advertising. Pricing broadly in line with Checkers. But volumes down, still losing mkt share. Some stores (Rosebank, Jhb as example) really looking good. Others (Benmore Jhb) still needs lots of work.

Rockwell Automation released its quarterly results today (I'm a shareholder). It talks about the real US economy. Falling consumer demand, incentive and tax uncertainty, you name it - all delaying investment decisions. Isn't that enough to tell the Fed what's happening?

I'm not an economist but recent US quarterly results generally reflect negligible revenue growth compared with 2023. Surely that alone indicates US economic growth has stagnated. What more do you need to justify a rate cut?

So Total is exiting its Mossel Bay gas discoveries, as I anticipated recently. Obviously inability to negotiate profitable offtakes with Mosgas/Eskom good reasons, but I reckon low gas prices another reason. Namibian discoveries seem to be mainly oil. That's another story.

Jhb City Council seems to be in real financial trouble. Going around my street trying to cut off power where customers owe nothing or balances not yet due. And they raised deposits for 1st time in 20 years! But I guess the latter is fair - my deposit was R300.

Initially I thought Mantashe's vision of private sector investment in the Sapref refinery was a dream. Maybe not, however! Perhaps Saudi Aramco invests, using it for downstream refining of its crude, to sell both in SA & Africa. Infrastructure already there, just needs upgrading

City of Joburg just discovered a new way to raise liquidity - increase electricity deposits. Mine just increased 20x. Granted original deposit was made 20 years ago but for many people it will come as a shock, especially as new tariffs also effective from now.

Poor Krutham and the FM analysts' ratings. The results released on Tuesday evening now confirmed to be a total mess - basically worthless! Krutham's reputation under threat (my view). Trouble is analyst bonusses/promotions/jobs etc linked to this now worthless info. Very sad.

Going on Mediterranean cruise Sept, mainly islands then Italy but in Istanbul for day and half. Never been to Turkey but our travel agent told us today it's not cheap anymore. However she says Turkish delight best in world! Understandably so. She's just been there.

Looks like Total will withdraw from Southern Cape oil/gas discovery. In my view due to govt's demand for too much free carry (although will never be admitted). Discoveries off Namibia far too enticing & a far more friendly government. Opportunity for Russians, maybe?

I agree lower underground mines electricity usage is helping Eskom's power availability. Quite a few gold (Carletonville) and platinum shafts (Rustenburg) are closed mainly due to ore depletion - they consume massive power. Nonetheless, Eskom's performance still excellent.

Is there dissension in the Ackerman family? At the meeting to approve the rights issue, the B shareholders (Ackermans) did not vote unanimously to go ahead. Do some family members want out? Third generation squabbles.

Global motor industry woes eventually affecting SA. Mercedes factory dropping from 3 to 2 shifts per day (third of output), with 800 job losses. Supplier job losses must be added as well.

Take a walk down Bond Street after visiting Selfridges in Oxford Street and you'll see more. Or just walk around Harrods.

The DA confuses me. They now talking about a coalition with the ANC (if invited, of course). Presumably because they realise their pact won't win. BUT their advertising says they're neck & neck with the ANC. So if the marketing is right, why even talk about a coalition?

Does anyone realize the magnitude of the PnPay funding - R10-12 bn including Boxer's placement. Plus no dividends for years if PnP itself only expected to break-even in 2 year's time and Boxer, I speculate, will need to retain profits to fund expansion.

For those interested in inflation, Sandton City parking has raised its flat fee for week end parking from R10 to R15. Weekday rates unchanged.