PPC to build cement plant in Algeria – Business Day
Cement firm PPC plans to enter the North African market for the first time by constructing a 2-million tonnes a year plant in Algeria, together with a local consortium. The company’s African expansion drive – through which it aims to nearly double its revenue contribution from north of SA’s borders in three years – has […]
The gold-rush slowdown – Finweek
Analysts warn that the gold price may deliver a few false dawns in 2014, and that the general picture is a price pretty much where we find it today: $1 200 to $1 300 per ounce. They also expect more price volatility in the year. While this doesn’t make easy reading for the investor, it […]
Capacity to rein in cement prices – Business Report
Increased production of cement in South Africa is expected to result in lower prices. Ross Heyns, an investment analyst at Kagiso Asset Management, said the growth in cement demand in South Africa would be balanced by the increased capacity of existing players and the entry of Sephaku Cement to the market. “It is therefore unlikely […]
Zim land grabs threaten Tongaat Hulett – Business Report
The possible expropriation of land from Tongaat Hulett in Zimbabwe could see the company’s profit margins suffer as well as signal a need for the sugar manufacturer to expand to other regions, analysts say. Media reports suggest that the company’s problems with the indigenisation law may soon come to a head with local authorities asking […]
Future of BHP Billiton's Bayside smelter still far from clear – Business Day Live
BHP Billiton’s announcement that it is in consultations with employees about the proposed halting of aluminium smelting and associated services at its Bayside smelter in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, has taken a long-standing issue a step further down the road. view article
Hot stocks for 2014 – City Press
Investing in the stock market requires thought and time. Thought to choose the best possible stocks for your portfolio and time so you can ride out the market’s ups and downs. view article
Retail results: rude awakening – Moneyweb
Retail shares on the JSE fell across the board on Friday as sales updates from the major retailers told a sorry tale of slowing sales and rising inflation. Earnings forecasts are likely to be revised downwards. view article
Concern as PMI hits negative territory – The New Age
The Kagiso Purchasing Manufacturing Index (PMI) for December, the country’s leading manufacturing indicator, declined to 49.9, from 52.4 in November and 50.7 in October, figures released yesterday showed. Some analysts expressed concern about the outcome, arguing that the figures do not bode well given that a number of PMIs across the globe showed some sign […]
Aspen's transformational deals – Moneyweb
While its competitor spent the better part of a year negotiating its future, Aspen concluded four acquisitions that will add about R9 billion to the top line; advance its entry into 30 new countries and extend both its product range and manufacturing capability. view article
