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</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=1111 style='width:833.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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@01DB61AB.12BED600"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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:%20bulls@bullszimbabwe.com?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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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 : 07 January 2025</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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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%'><img border=0 width=804 height=268 id="_x0000_i1034" src="cid:image002.jpg@01DB61AB.12BED600"><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=1105 colspan=5 valign=top style='width:828.6pt;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%'><b><span style='font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Zimre’s 1.3% trade lifts ZSE volumes in another red session<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'><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'>HARARE – A 1.32% trade of Zimre Holdings shares helped sustain turnover in another lacklustre Zimbabwe Stock Exchange session on Tuesday.<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 total of 24 million ZHL shares, making up just above a percent of the group, exchanged hands, helping lift trading volumes for the day. The deal was done by ABC Stockbrokers through a nominee company, but NSSA is the buyer as it increased its shareholding in the group from 22%. The shares are worth ZWG 3.37 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'>At close, total traded volume was 26.36 million shares, with turnover at ZWG11.25 million. Trades were subdued at 151. It was Econet that led the turnover contributions at ZWG3.42 million. Foreign sales were at ZWG146 768 against purchases of ZWG1 968. <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 was down 1.61% to 209.72 in a session where gains were quite restricted across the board with no stock rising above 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'>Econet closed 9.87% lower to 283.45c, and FBC, which recently announced a new credit line of US$30 million for exporters, dropped 4.97% to 950.30c. EcoCash shed 0.69% to 28.17c. These losses saw the Top Ten Index fall 1.97% to 207.16. Delta had a very fractional gain. <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 Medium Cap Index declined 0.62% to 209.4. Tanganda was the day's worst performer after falling 14.99% to 215.20c and Star Africa lost 12.19% to 1.93c.<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'>There were gains in Seed Co, which added 2.75% to 227.01c, and Nampak was up a marginal 0.08% to 114c ahead of the finalisation of its transaction to change major shareholders. Proplastics was 0.04% up to 148.25c. <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'>VFEX turnover was poor at US$3 487 after 184 851 shares exchanged hands. The All Share was down to 101.22 from 101.79 yesterday. Edgars was the worst performer, losing 10.57% to 1.1 US cents, and Axia, which is continuing with its expansion drive on TV Sales & Home and Transerv, dropped 6.09% to 8.02c.<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'>Simbisa closed 5.96% lower to 31.57 US cents. <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'>There were gains, however, in First Capital, up 3.80% to 4.37 US cents, and Innscor, which added 1.73% to 45.96 US cents.finx<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'> </span><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_i1033" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DB61AB.12BED600"></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%'><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'>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'>South African rand claws back as Trump tariff debate weakens dollar<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'><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 0636 GMT, the rand traded at 18.5650 against the U.S. dollar, about 0.1% firmer than its previous close. The greenback last traded about 0.1% weaker against a basket of currencies.<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'>South Africa's rand firmed early on Tuesday against a softer dollar on hopes for less aggressive tariffs by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump when he takes office later this month.<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 0636 GMT, the rand traded at 18.5650 against the U.S. dollar, about 0.1% firmer than its previous close. The greenback last traded about 0.1% weaker against a basket of currencies.<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 Washington Post reported on Monday that Trump aides were exploring tariff plans that would represent a marked softening from promises he had made during his 2024 presidential campaign.<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 the news initially weakened the dollar, Trump's subsequent denial reversed some of the U.S. currency's declines.<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'>"It helped bolster the ZAR's performance as it staged a recovery at the start of the first full trading week of the year," said ETM Analytics in a research note.<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'>South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly firmer in early deals, with the yield down 2.5 basis points to 9.005%.<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%'><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 gains 125/$ one month after EFEMS<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'>Nigeria’s currency has appreciated by N125 to a dollar one month after the launch of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS).<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'>Analysts say this may be an indication that the naira’s rebound journey has just started, noting that the local curerency will have a positive run in 2025.<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'>According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the naira strengthened by 8 percent as the dollar was quoted at N1, 535 on January 3, 2025, as against N1,660 traded on December 2, 2024, the official launch date of EFEMS trading, indicating a N125 gain over the 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'>The introduction of EFEMS was first announced by the CBN on October 3, 2024, as part of a series of reforms aimed at addressing speculation and enhancing transparency in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market. This system was specifically designed for authorised dealers operating within the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and became operational on December 2, 2024, after a successful two-week trial period conducted in November 2024.<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'>Cardoso’s Take<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'>Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, highlighted the significance of this reform, stating, “Over the past year, we have undertaken critical reforms to unify Nigeria’s exchange rate, eliminating distortions and restoring transparency. This unification has enabled us to clear the outstanding foreign exchange obligations, giving businesses—ranging from manufacturers to airlines—the confidence to plan and invest in the future. To further enhance the functionality of the foreign exchange market, we are introducing an electronic FX matching system, which has proven effective in other 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'>EFEMS’ Positives<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'>Ayodele Akinwunmi, who serves as a senior relationship manager at FSDH Merchant Bank, attributed the recent improvements in the foreign exchange market to the CBN’s latest policy measures.<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'>He emphasised that these policies have significantly enhanced both the supply of foreign exchange and the transparency of market operations. According to him, customers are now able to access foreign exchange more readily to meet their financial obligations, and the prevailing exchange rates are better aligned with market realities.<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'>Akinwunmi also highlighted how seasonal factors, particularly the typically lower demand for dollars during the Christmas holiday period, have played a role in bolstering the naira’s value during this time.<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'>Similarly, Aminu Gwadabe, president of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), underscored the critical role of the CBN’s interventions in the EFEMS in influencing the naira’s appreciation. He emphasised the need to further enhance liquidity in the retail foreign exchange market, particularly through the involvement of Bureaux De Change (BDCs).<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'>Gwadabe proposed that BDCs be utilised as strategic instruments to manage exchange rate volatility effectively and to help achieve the exchange rate targets set in the national budget. He expressed confidence that a more robust engagement of BDCs in the market could contribute to greater stability and predictability in exchange rates.<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'>EFEMS’ challenges remain<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 EFEMS has delivered promising results, industry experts stress that challenges remain.<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'>Muda Yusuf, chief executive of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), acknowledged the CBN’s progress in stabilising the foreign exchange market but pointed out that the unregulated black market continues to pose significant hurdles.<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 measures taken by the CBN are yielding some positive results, but it is a work in progress,” Yusuf explained. “Speculators and manipulators in the market are constantly devising new tricks, so this must be a continuous effort.”<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 naira’s recent appreciation comes after a turbulent year marked by significant instability. In 2024, the currency experienced a sharp depreciation, losing 40.9 percent of its value against the dollar in the official market, despite an increase in external reserves. This decline underscores the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s currency market, even amid efforts to stabilise the economy.<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 EFEMS initiative, while still in its early stages, represents a critical step towards addressing these challenges, analysts say.<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'>Dollar demand declines<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 dollar demand by various sectors of the Nigerian economy, also referred to as foreign exchange (FX) utilisation, fell by 11 percent to $5.7 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024 from $6.4 billion in the second quarter (Q2) of the same year, primarily driven by a reduction in invisible transactions.<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 marks a notable decline from the previous quarter, as FX usage for non-physical transactions, which include services such as travel, insurance, and remittances, saw a sharp drop of 32 percent, falling to $2.2 billion in Q3 of 2024 from $3.3 billion in Q2 of 2024.<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'>According to data from the CBN Quarterly Statistical Bulletin compiled by FBNQuest, invisible transactions now account for approximately 39 percent of total FX utilisation, down from 51 percent in Q2 2024. The financial sector, which has historically been a dominant consumer of foreign exchange in this category, was the key driver behind the steep quarterly decline.<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 FX consumption by the financial services sector dropped by 34 percent quarter-on-quarter (q/q), reaching nearly $2.0 billion ($1.99bn) in Q3 2024 compared to $3.03 billion in Q2, 2023.<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'>On the other hand, foreign exchange demand for merchandise imports saw a modest increase of 10.4 percent q/q, rising to $3.45 billion in Q3, 2024 from $3.12 billion in Q2, 2024. This uptick in demand for physical goods brought the share of merchandise imports in total FX utilisation to about 61 percent, up from 49 percent in the previous quarter. Within this category, the industrial sector emerged as the largest consumer, accounting for roughly 53 percent of the total forex used for imported raw materials, machinery, and equipment. Additionally, forex demand for food products— the second-largest category in merchandise goods—rose by 16 percent quarter-on-quarter to $633.6 million in Q3 2024 from $547.7 million in Q2 2024.<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'>Overall, the trend in FX utilisation has shown a decline since the first quarter of 2023, largely due to decreased demand following the substantial devaluation of the Naira. However, with the CBN’s continued efforts to enhance FX liquidity and improve access to foreign currency, it is expected that demand for dollars will see a modest rebound in the coming months. The CBN’s ongoing measures, including streamlining FX trading and boosting market transparency, are anticipated to ease pressure on the foreign exchange market and facilitate more stable access to foreign currency across various sectors of the economy.<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'>Naira Rebound in 2025<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'>Zeal Akaraiwe, CEO at Graeme Blaque Advisory, in an interview with BusinessDay, said 2025 could be a turning point for 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'>“Personally, I maintain an optimistic outlook on the naira’s trajectory and believe the year could mark a significant turning point, reversing many of the challenges that have weighed on the currency in recent years,” Akaraiwe said.<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'>He said the optimism is underpinned by notable improvements in Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment.<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'>According to Uche Uwaleke, director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies at Nasarawa State University, “With increased domestic refining capacity, we expect a significant decline in fuel imports, which will ease pressure on foreign exchange demand and strengthen 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'>He further highlighted the potential impact of increased earnings from the export of petroleum products.<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'>“As Nigeria boosts its export capacity, foreign exchange inflows will improve, supporting the local currency,” Uwaleke further said.<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%'><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_i1032" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DB61AB.12BED600"></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%'><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 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 firms as solid US data suggests Fed likely to slow easing cycle<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 dollar strengthened on Tuesday as U.S. economic data showing a generally stable jobs market and a still robust services sector suggested that the Federal Reserve will likely slow the pace of its current rate-cutting cycle.<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 greenback rose to a near six-month peak against the yen after the U.S. data. It was last up 0.2% at 157.875 yen . Earlier in the global session, the dollar hit its highest since July of 158.425 yen.<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'>Data showed that U.S. job openings unexpectedly increased in November, although hiring slowed during the month. Job openings, a measure of labor demand, rose 259,000 to 8.098 million by the last day of November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey, or JOLTS report. Hires, however, dropped 125,000 to 5.269 million in November.<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'>JOLTS<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. services sector activity also accelerated in December, while a surge in a measure of prices paid for inputs to a near two-year high pointed to elevated inflation. The Institute for Supply Management's non-manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) increased to 54.1 last month from 52.1 in November.<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 really big surprise in the report was the jump in the prices paid index to an eleven-month high of 64.4 in December from 58.2 — perhaps this reflects higher transportation costs or delivery charges in the holiday season," wrote Dave Rosenberg, founder and president of Rosenberg Research, in a note to clients.<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'>"Suffice it to say that the (ISM) report was enough to push the markets to now expect a little more than one Fed rate cut for the year, and that has now been delayed to July from June."<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'>Following the data, the U.S. rate futures market has priced in a 95% chance of a pause in rate cuts this month, and a 4.8% probability of easing, according to LSEG estimates. Rate futures have also implied just 37 basis points of cuts in 2025, compared with two cuts expected under the Fed's "dot plot" or rate forecasts.<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 are also assessing whether President-elect Donald Trump's actual policies on tariffs will be consistent with his hard-line 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'>Market participants have been pricing in a scenario where the implementation of widespread tariffs could boost U.S. inflation, potentially limiting the Fed's ability to cut interest rates and thereby supporting the dollar.<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'>But they wondered whether officials are preparing to water down some of Trump's campaign promises. Trump on Monday denied a Washington Post report that said his aides were exploring tariff plans that would only cover critical imports.<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'>Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist, at Corpay in Toronto thinks, however, that the market is betting Trump "will ultimately implement a narrower set of tariffs on major trading partners, and is downgrading U.S. inflation and rate expectations in line with that."<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 afternoon trading, the U.S. dollar index , which measures the currency against six major units, rose 0.2% to 108.55, after dropping as low as 107.74 overnight, its weakest since Dec. 30.<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 Jan. 2, the index hit a high of 109.58, a more than two-year peak, due to expectations that Trump's promised fiscal stimulus, reduced regulation, and higher tariffs would boost U.S. growth.<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 euro, on the other hand, fell 0.4% to $1.0352 , extending its fall after the economic numbers. The currency earlier rose after Tuesday's Eurostat data showed inflation in the 20 nations sharing the euro rose to 2.4% last month from 2.2% in November.<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, euro zone households increased their inflation expectations in November, an ECB poll showed. Inflation in the 20 euro zone nations picked up to 2.4% last month from 2.2% in November, Eurostat said on Tuesday.<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 are also looking to ahead to Friday's U.S. nonfarm payolls report. A Reuters poll showed a consensus forecast of 160,000 in December, down from 227,000 new jobs created in November.<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 health of the U.S. labor market is paramount to expectations for the Federal Reserve's actions this year so it's likely that, save for major news on the incoming administration, we could see calmer FX waters through Friday morning," said Helen Given, FX trader, at Monex USA in Washington.<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 tumbled more than 5% to $96,322.43, after earlier hitting a three-week high.<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%'><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_i1031" src="cid:image003.jpg@01DB61AB.12BED600"></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<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'>Gold gains after US dollar slides as markets mull Trump tariffs<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'><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'>Gold prices rose on Tuesday on a weaker U.S. dollar as traders pondered whether President-elect Donald Trump's tariff plans would be less aggressive than expected, while investors awaited U.S. jobs data to gauge the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory. <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 was up 0.4% at $2,644.79 per ounce, as of 0548 GMT. U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to $2,655.00.<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'>"Gold prices have managed to stabilise amid some cooling off in the U.S. dollar overnight, but higher U.S. Treasury yields may remain a key overhang for further gains," IG market strategist Yeap Jun Rong said. [USD/]<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 benchmark 10-year Treasury yield hit the highest since May 2024 on Monday, while the dollar hovered near a one-week low. [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 dollar slid against its peers after a media report said that Trump's aides were exploring plans that would apply tariffs only on sectors seen as critical to U.S. national or economic security. However, Trump denied the report, deepening uncertainty about future U.S. trade policies.<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'>Bullion is considered a hedge against uncertainty and inflation, but high rates reduce the non-yielding asset's appeal.<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 are awaiting the U.S. jobs report, due on Friday, which could help shed more light on the Fed's policy path.<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. job openings data is also scheduled later in the day, while ADP employment numbers and minutes from the Fed's December meeting are expected on Wednesday.<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 U.S. non-farm payrolls will be the key risk event this week and a stable unemployment rate at 4.2% may justify a more gradual rate-cutting process, which could see gold prices consolidate further within its tight range for now," Yeap said.<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 month, the central bank projected fewer rate cuts in 2025, with policymakers expressing concerns over still-high inflation. <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 silver gained 0.6% to $30.12 per ounce on Tuesday, platinum added 0.6% to $938.55 and palladium ticked up 0.4% to $924.52.<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%'><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;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=1105 colspan=5 style='width:828.6pt;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 2025</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=295 style='width:221.2pt;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=219 style='width:164.35pt;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=361 style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=bottom style='width:171.7pt;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=295 valign=top style='width:221.2pt;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=219 style='width:164.35pt;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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=361 style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=top style='width:171.7pt;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'><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=295 valign=top style='width:221.2pt;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=219 style='width:164.35pt;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'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=361 style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=top style='width:171.7pt;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'><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=295 valign=top style='width:221.2pt;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=219 style='width:164.35pt;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 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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></b></p></td><td width=361 style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=bottom style='width:171.7pt;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=514 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:385.55pt;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:11.0pt;line-height:105%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=361 style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=bottom style='width:171.7pt;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 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style='width:270.6pt;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=229 valign=bottom style='width:171.7pt;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:99.35pt'><td width=1104 colspan=4 style='width:827.85pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;height:99.35pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Invest Wisely!</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Bulls n Bears </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=X-NONE style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span lang=X-NONE style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> </span><i><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Invest </span></i><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Cellphone: +263 71 944 1674 | +27 79 993 5557 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Email: bulls@bullszimbabwe.com<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Website: www.bullszimbabwe.com <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Blog: www.bullszimbabwe.com/blog<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Twitter (X): @bullsbears2010<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>LinkedIn: Bulls n Bears Zimbabwe<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Facebook: www.facebook.com/BullsBearsZimbabwe<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:106%;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif;color:black;mso-fareast-language:EN-US'>Skype: Bulls.Bears </span><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'><img border=0 width=278 height=115 id="_x0000_i1030" src="cid:image001.png@01DB61AB.12BED600"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></span><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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;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=1104 colspan=4 valign=top style='width:827.85pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=1088 style='width:816.05pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=1084 valign=top style='width:813.05pt;border:solid #BFBFBF 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:106%'><span lang=EN-GB style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'> (c) 2025 Web: www.bullszimbabwe.com Email: bulls@bullszimbabwe.com Tel: +27 79 993 5557 | +263 71 944 1674</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:EN-US'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table></div></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=1104 colspan=4 valign=bottom style='width:827.85pt;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=295 style='border:none'></td><td width=219 style='border:none'></td><td width=361 style='border:none'></td><td width=229 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>