<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><!--[if !mso]><style>v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
</style><![endif]--><style><!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:Verdana;
panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Trebuchet MS";
panose-1:2 11 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 4;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{margin:0cm;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;}
h1
{mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0cm;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0cm;
font-size:24.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;}
p.MsoBodyText, li.MsoBodyText, div.MsoBodyText
{mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Body Text Char";
mso-margin-top-alt:auto;
margin-right:0cm;
mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;
margin-left:0cm;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-language:X-NONE;}
p.MsoSubtitle, li.MsoSubtitle, div.MsoSubtitle
{mso-style-priority:11;
mso-style-link:"Subtitle Char";
margin-top:0cm;
margin-right:0cm;
margin-bottom:8.0pt;
margin-left:0cm;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:#5A5A5A;
letter-spacing:.75pt;}
a:link, span.MsoHyperlink
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#0563C1;
text-decoration:underline;}
a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed
{mso-style-priority:99;
color:#954F72;
text-decoration:underline;}
span.EmailStyle17
{mso-style-type:personal-compose;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
color:windowtext;}
span.Heading1Char
{mso-style-name:"Heading 1 Char";
mso-style-priority:9;
mso-style-link:"Heading 1";
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;
font-weight:bold;}
span.BodyTextChar
{mso-style-name:"Body Text Char";
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-link:"Body Text";
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
mso-fareast-language:X-NONE;}
span.SubtitleChar
{mso-style-name:"Subtitle Char";
mso-style-priority:11;
mso-style-link:Subtitle;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;
color:#5A5A5A;
letter-spacing:.75pt;
mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW;}
span.style30
{mso-style-name:style30;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
@page WordSection1
{size:612.0pt 792.0pt;
margin:72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt 72.0pt;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
--></style><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026" />
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:shapelayout v:ext="edit">
<o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1" />
</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-ZW link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=887 style='width:665.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><h1 style='margin-left:26.1pt;line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><img width=278 height=111 id="_x0000_i1025" src="cid:image001.png@01D7C458.32D98000"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="PBrush" ShapeID="_x0000_i1025" DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1696091266">
</o:OLEObject>
</xml><![endif]--></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></h1></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:solid #D9D9D9 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><b><u><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p><span style='text-decoration:none'> </span></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:26.1pt;text-indent:-1.35pt;line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Bullszimbabwe.com </span></b><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></a></span><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="mailto:bulls@bulls.co.zw"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Views & Comments</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Bullish Thoughts</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="http://www.twitter.com/BullsBears2010"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bulls-n-bears-zimbabwe/57/577/72"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></span><span class=MsoHyperlink><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;text-decoration:none'> </span></b></span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw?subject=Unsubscribe"><b><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#0070C0'>Unsubscribe</span></b></a></span><span class=style30><span style='font-size:8.0pt;line-height:105%;color:#00B050'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoSubtitle style='line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:26.1pt;line-height:105%'><span class=style30><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Bulls n Bears Daily Market Commentary : 18 October 2021</span></b></span><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:1.0pt'><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:1.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center;line-height:105%'><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=272 id="Picture_x0020_5" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D7C458.32D98000"></span></a><span class=style30><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:1.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:7.2pt'><td width=881 colspan=5 valign=top style='width:661.0pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:7.2pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><br>ZSE commentary<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The ZSE market rally continues this week headlined by blue-chip and mid-tier counters. Investor sentiment, as measured by market breath was positive as 19 stocks registered gains against 14 losers while five of the active stocks remained unchanged. Activity levels were near flat at 466 trades with a share volume of 5.25 million shares. Delta and OK Zimbabwe were the most active stocks at 36 trades each followed by Econet at 32 trades. Ariston anchored volume aggregate trading 747 100 shares and Innscor anchored value aggregate with a value of ZW$53.6 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The All-Share Index gained 1.94% to 10 802.39 points. The Top 10 Index added 2.26%. The Top 15 Index gained 2.28%. The Medium Cap Index added 1.36% to 22 173.09 points whilst the Small Cap Index also added 0.27% to 322 356.90 points. Leading the risers pack of the day was Axia and Proplastics adding 11.78% and 7.46% respectively. Delta added 6.28% and National Foods added 5.48% to 160 813.91c. OK Zimbabwe added 4.26. Mitigating the gains were losses in Nampak and First Capital Bank which shaded 8.28% and 5.77% respectively. Bindura lost 4.49% to 520.55c. Hippo and Simbisa Brands pared 3.19% and 2.71% respectively. The Old Mutual Top Ten ETF closed at 399.62c up by 0.05% after 62 384 units were traded worth ZW$249 296.-wealthaccess<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#1F497D'><img border=0 width=762 height=259 id="_x0000_i1029" src="cid:image003.jpg@01D7C458.32D98000"></span><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Global Currencies & Equity Markets<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>South Africa<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Rand trades weaker overnight against the US greenback<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>THE rand made further gains on Friday, despite the country waking up to some concerning news on the political front, according to NKC Research.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The holding hostage of two members of the Cabinet and a deputy minister will come as a shock to the ANC-led government facing growing discontent, which is increasingly finding expression in violent protest action.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Last week’s real economy data was a mixed bag but would have disappointed more than surprised. This week we will get an update on price pressures. We maintain our view that inflation will average at the midpoint (4.5 percent) of the target range this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>At the close of local trade on Friday, the rand quoted 0.93 percent stronger, at R14.62/$, after trading in a range of R14.62/$ to R14.79/$. The rand traded weaker overnight. The expected range of the rand against the dollar today is R14.50/$ to R14.80/$.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The JSE All Share (+0.27 percent) ended higher on Friday as the local bourse benefited from a rise in global risk-on sentiment, after lower US inflation figures and a strong round of earnings boosted sentiment. Gains in technology (+0.96 percent) and industrials (+0.75 percent) countered the losses recorded for financials (-0.33 percent) and resources (-0.12 percent). The share price of Mediclinic rose by 11.39 percent on Friday after the group announced that all of its divisions have returned to pre-pandemic revenue levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Brent crude oil<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The Brent oil price rose on Friday, trading close to the $85/pb mark. Prices were enhanced by an outlook that there will be a supply deficit over the coming months due to an increase in demand spurred by an easing of coronavirus-related travel restrictions. At the close of local trade, the Brent oil price quoted at $84.7/pb. Crude prices traded higher during Asian trade this morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>BUSINESS REPORT<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Nigeria<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Naira Depreciation And 2022 Budget<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Regrettably naira depreciation does not hold any assurance of better things economically for Nigerians. There is the obviously misguided and unrealistic call that the naira be devalued in expectation that matching “official rates with parallel market exchange rates will attract foreign investors or ensure competitiveness of the Nigerian economy”. Conversely, foreign investors are ‘smart guys’ investing chiefly in economically and minimally risky but high-yielding Nigerian government’s bills and bonds. Out of the ordinary, financial experts and liberal economist have not been able to connect this in sub-Saharan Africa<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Disappointingly, the production base alongside the exporting sector that was supposed to be the saving grace to naira depreciation is in comatose. In between, the manufacturing and allied fabrication sectors are less competitive, as serial naira depreciations of the past have determined higher production costs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>11 persons killed in Kwara road crash<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>NIGERIA DAILY: How the IPPIS is Causing Uncertainty in Universities<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Furthermore, our bubbling cottage industry in the countryside has shrunk significantly, courtesy of rising importation of everything including toilet tissue papers. Interestingly, the consequent explosion of all these has made the government drive for economic diversification and promotion of made-in-Nigeria goods unable to go beyond rhetoric.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>In the past, the CBN spontaneously devalued the naira to reduce widening space between official and parallel exchange rates, even when these gaps were knowingly caused by the artificial, monopolistic market dynamics of demand and supply. Instructively, despite a series of naira devaluations, Nigeria’s economy remains neither diversified nor internationally competitive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>On the contrary, the broad gap between the official and parallel naira rates may have instinctively prompted the remark that Nigeria’s economy will only become competitive if the naira is devalued and brought closer to the street market rate. Today as I put this piece together, the naira exchange rate from the official CBN exchange platform is N410=$1,while at the unofficial platform it is being exchanged at N565=$1.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>This has exposed a mass of citizens to deepening poverty, unemployment and high cost of living. Still with the news in town that our foreign reserve is hitting $42 billion US dollars, one is not sure if the increase could be sustained before the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>From the above state of affairs, the 2022 Appropriation bill, tagged Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability, totalling N16.39 trillion was presented to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The budget is predicated on a conservative oil price benchmark of 57 dollars per barrel and a daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels per day. However, the exchange rate is N410.15 per US dollar; and projected GDP growth rate is 4.2 per cent and 13 per cent inflation rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Meanwhile, the allocations to MDAs still followed the usual ritual lead with defence and security taking N2.41 trillion (15%), infrastructure N1.45 trillion(8.9%), Education N1.29 trillion (7.9%) health N820 billion (5%) and social development and poverty elimination N863 Billion (5.3%).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>In the wisdom of the government, the above sectoral allocations were guided by the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025 which are: diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth; investing in critical infrastructure; strengthening security and ensuring good governance; enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace; reducing poverty; and minimizing regional, economic and social disparities. The summary of the budget suggests recurrent expenditure stands at N6.83 trillion (41.7 %), whereas capital expenditure N5.35 trillion (37.72%).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Admittedly, the 2022 budget is impressive though N16.39 trillion may not be enough for the enormous human and development challenges confronting us today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>We must take into cognizance the naira exchange rate N410 to $1, to the 2022 budget oil revenue of N3.16 trillion, particularly, if the 2021 turbulent challenges in the oil sector that lead to shortfall and poor performance of oil revenue relative to the budget projection replicate. For instance, in 2020 from 2.07mbpd in Q1 down to 1.61mbpd 2021. A further decline occurred in Q3 to 1.27mbpd lower than 1.38 mbpd recorded in July of 2021.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Another issue is the net inflow of foreign exchange rates from Q1 and Q2 of 2021, with overall balance of payments reading negative and the external reserves due to heavy forex demand pressures and weak forex inflows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Critically, external sector aggregates of the Nigerian economy matters a lot, with our continued heavy dependence on the oil sector for export earnings and external reserves accumulation. We must however acknowledge the fact that to achieve a better budget performance, the heavy dependence of the country on the oil sector for foreign exchange and government revenues creates instability in the naira exchange rate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Decisively shifting away from defective economic and budget management is to consider reviving, revamping and restoring the productive sectors to achieve higher competence output and viable manufacturing exports. That would in the long run tidy up our nation’s disbursement of scarce foreign exchange for import of finished goods, especially, where many of these imported items could be produced locally and reduce pressures on the naira.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The projected non-oil taxes estimation of N2.13 trillion is very diminutive compared to the reality if the governments mull over on the real productive sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Consequently, root causes of deliberate market disparity against the naira must be addressed with stringent measures by the CBN in checking round–tripping of forex amongst Deposits Money Banks (DMBs) to the parallel market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Tackling excess demands for foreign exchange, that substantial part of it aimed at transferring funds out of the country that promote capital flights, illegal financial outflow and money laundering is also essential.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>We must, however, acknowledge the fact that a country’s currency is determined by the strength of her economy in terms of its production capability, structure and diversification base. Therefore, the government’s support of local refining of petroleum products for domestic consumption and exports is key to stronger naira.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Nigerians must be cautious of any wiles that recommend naira devaluation as the remedy to our under pressure national currency. Rather, full implementation of the budget alongside oversight, evaluation and monitoring must be put into effect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=804 height=272 id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image002.jpg@01D7C458.32D98000"></span></a><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Global Markets<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Dollar resumes upward March on higher yields; yen falls again<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>(Reuters) - The U.S. dollar gained broadly on Monday, rebounding towards a one-year high hit last week as slowing economic growth in China and firmer U.S. Treasury yields boosted the appeal of the greenback with the Japanese yen among the major losers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Three data points over the weekend, namely strong inflation data in New Zealand, hawkish comments from the Bank of England and slowing growth in China has reaffirmed the broad theme of rising inflation and slowing growth in global markets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Investors have chosen to trade that theme by buying the greenback against its rivals while simultaneously dumping currencies of commodity importers like Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Latest weekly positioning data in currency markets showed hedge funds have ramped up their net bearish bets on the Japanese yen to their biggest levels since May 2019 while increasing their bullish bets on the greenback.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>U.S. Treasury yields firmed on Monday, extending a trend in recent weeks with five-year bond yields rising to their highest levels since February 2020 as investors ramped up bets that the U.S. Federal Reserve was preparing to raise interest rates as early as next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The inflation outlook has also prompted expectations of earlier tightening of global monetary policy, with Danske Bank expecting as much as two rate hikes from the Fed in the second half of next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>“For some time our central argument has rested on two factors coming together to support the dollar, namely the moderation in global growth and the Fed taking a gradual path towards eventual rate hikes,” HSBC analysts said in a note. “This occurred sooner than we expected.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The dollar index rose 0.1% to 94.05, edging it back toward last week’s one-year high of 94.563 which was the highest level since September 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The yen was close to a new three-year low, with the dollar last up 0.1% at 114.36 yen, close to Friday’s 114.47 level that was last hit in October 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>In New Zealand, where consumer prices zoomed higher at their fastest clip since 2010, analysts said the central bank would need to stay the course on its hiking trajectory even as the lockdown of Auckland was extended.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The kiwi jumped almost 0.5% to a one-month high of $0.7105 before easing back to trade down 0.2% at $0.7056 after a decade-high quarterly inflation reading.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Sterling slipped 0.1% to $1.3735 despite hawkish weekend remarks from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey who said policymakers “will have to act” as energy prices drive consumer prices higher.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>In other data highlights, China’s economic growth hit its slowest pace in a year in the third quarter, with power shortages crimping factory output - while in commodities, crude prices rose more than 1% to test 2018 highs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>The yuan eased slightly after the data. But taken together, China’s slowdown, power crunch and worldwide signs that pressure from energy costs is hurting, seemed to turn investors broadly cautious as they brace for a bumpy period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin, riding high on hopes for U.S. approval of a futures-based exchange traded fund that would funnel cash into the sector, hovered just shy of its record peak of $64,895. It last bought $60,956.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><img border=0 width=300 height=296 id="_x0000_i1027" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D7C458.32D98000"></span></a><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Commodities Markets<br><br><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Gold under pressure as dollar, U.S. yields rise<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>(Reuters) - Gold prices slipped on Monday, after investors took refuge in the dollar due to rising inflationary pressures and as an uptick in U.S. bond yields added to the downbeat mood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Spot gold fell 0.2% to $1,764.40 per ounce by 1226 GMT, while U.S. gold futures were little changed at $1,767.60.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Making gold less attractive to holders of other currencies, the dollar index firmed, and U.S. benchmark 10-year Treasury yields extended gains as investors ramped up rate hike bets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>A stronger dollar is “carrying more weight as a safe haven because of the inflation angle, which drives up expectations for the Federal Reserve to start tapering, and even to set the timing to raise interest rates sometime next year,” said Ricardo Evangelista, senior analyst at ActivTrades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>While gold is seen as an inflation hedge, it also contends with the greenback for safe-haven status and reduced central bank stimulus and interest rate hikes push government bond yields up, weighing on non-yielding bullion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Market participants are increasingly expecting the Fed to start tapering asset purchases soon after solid increase in U.S. consumer prices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, meanwhile, sent a fresh signal that the British central bank is gearing up to raise interest rates for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus crisis as inflation risks mount.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Elsewhere, spot silver fell 0.1% to $23.26 per ounce, platinum was down 1.2% at $1,041.52, and palladium shed 3.3% to $2,005.16.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>(Reporting by Arundhati Sarkar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Copper price at red-hot high<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Cash copper on the London Metal Exchange closed up 4% to US$10,538 per tonne, with global stockpiles at reported all-time lows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Three-month copper rose almost 3% to $10,281/t, nearing its peak of $10,747.50/t reached in May.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Adding to supply concerns due to energy shortages, copper bulls have also pointed to the further delays and growing cost blow-out at the Rio Tinto-operated Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine expansion in Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Shares in Turquoise Hill Resources (TSX: TRQ), which is the majority owner of Oyu Tolgoi and controlled by Rio, fell 15% on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Copper producers Antofagasta rose 2.13% in London while in Toronto, First Quantum Minerals (TSX: FM) shot up 8%, a day after announcing a new US$2.925 billion loan and credit facility.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>At the smaller end of town, Mexico-focused junior GFM Resources (TSXV: GFM.H) gained 87.5% on no news.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Finally, gold is worth $1,770 an ounce on the spot market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:7.2pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=881 colspan=5 style='width:661.0pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:#345883;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>INVESTORS DIARY 2021</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.4pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Company</span></b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Event</span></b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Venue</span></b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Date & Time</span></b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>National Unity Day<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>December 22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Christmas Day<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>December 25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Boxing Day<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>December 26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Public Holiday in lieu of Boxing Day falling on a Sunday<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=top style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>December 27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=221 valign=top style='width:165.7pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=120 style='width:89.95pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#D9D9D9;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Counters trading under cautionary<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>ART<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Seed co Int.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Starafrica<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Medtech<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Turnall<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-ZW'>Seed co<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='margin:0cm;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:3.25pt'><td width=341 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:255.65pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=364 style='width:273.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=175 valign=bottom style='width:131.5pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-right:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoBodyText style='mso-margin-top-alt:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:0cm;margin-left:39.6pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:3.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr style='height:99.35pt'><td width=880 colspan=4 style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Invest Wisely!</span></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Bulls n Bears </span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Cellphone: <a href="tel:%2B263%2077%20344%201674" target="_blank"><span style='color:black'>+263 77 344 1674</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Alt. Email: <a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='color:blue'>info@bulls.co.zw</span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Website: <a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='color:#0563C1'>www.bullszimbabwe.com</span></a> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Twitter: @bullsbears2010</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>LinkedIn: Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Facebook: <a href="http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBullsBearsZimbabwe&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhb_A5rp4biV1dGHbgiAhUxQqBXA" target="_blank"><span style='color:black'>www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>Skype: Bulls.Bears <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'><img border=0 width=246 height=120 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image005.png@01D7C458.32D98000" alt="Bulls-&-Bears-logo-246x120"></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><i><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#1F497D;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><i><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared by Bulls ‘n Bears, a division of Faith Capital (Pvt) Ltd for general information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for any securities. The information contained in this report has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty is made or guarantee given as to its accuracy or completeness. All opinions expressed and recommendations made are subject to change without notice. Securities or financial instruments mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Securities of emerging and mid-size growth companies typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. Neither Faith Capital nor any other member of Bulls ‘n Bears nor any other person, accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this report or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith. Recipients of this report shall be solely responsible for making their own independent investigation into the business, financial condition and future prospects of any companies referred to in this report. Other Indices quoted herein are for guideline purposes only and sourced from third parties.</span></i><i><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><i><span lang=EN-GB style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:white;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>(c) 2021 <b>Web</b>:</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="http://www.bullszimbabwe.com"><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'> www.bullszimbabwe.com </span></a></span><b><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Email:</span></b><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><a href="mailto:info@bulls.co.zw"><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black'>info@bulls.co.zw</span></a></span><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <b>Tel:</b> +263 4 2927658 <b>Cell:</b> +263 77 344 1674<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr><td width=880 colspan=4 valign=bottom style='width:660.25pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:39.6pt;line-height:105%'><span style='font-size:7.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=6 colspan=2 style='width:4.45pt;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:105%'><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> <o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;padding:0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm' width=1><p class='MsoNormal'> </td></tr><tr height=0><td width=221 style='border:none'></td><td width=120 style='border:none'></td><td width=364 style='border:none'></td><td width=175 style='border:none'></td><td width=1 style='border:none'></td><td width=5 style='border:none'></td><td width=1 style='border:none'></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:36.0pt'><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>