News 13:00

BULLETIN 29 November 1 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Two-pot withdrawals could impact sales this Black Friday
# Numsa ends it strike at ArcelorMittal
# And golf: South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai is in the hunt in the women’s event of the Australian Open

# Standard Bank says it will be interesting to see how two-pot withdrawals will impact sales this Black Friday. Head of Credit, Tumelo Ramugondo, told the SABC that there is a possibility of increased spending, but limited to essential items. He adds that interest rate cuts could also add an advantage to buying power, but it might take time before the effects can be seen:

# Metalworkers union Numsa has ended its strike at ArcelorMittal South Africa, which began on 14 November. The deal includes voluntary separation packages, retrenchment mitigation, and training support. Both parties urge government-led engagement to address industry challenges like high tariffs and unfair trade practices, vital for steel sector sustainability. Numsa spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola warns of broader risks to manufacturing and job security:

# Union Nehawu has reiterated its unwavering support for the people of Palestine. Today is International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, a day where the international community stands in solidarity for the dignity, rights, justice and self-determination of the Palestinian people. The continuing war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 43-thousand Palestinians being killed in Gaza. Nehawu says Israel has violated all principles of international law by intentionally killing and injuring innocent civilians.

# Ireland began voting in a closely-fought general election. The incumbent coalition is neck-and-neck with the opposition after a campaign marked by rancour over housing and cost-of-living crises. Voters have to choose new members for the 174-seat lower chamber of Parliament. Final opinion polling put the three main parties, centre-right Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, and the leftist-nationalist Sinn Fein, each on around 20-percent support.

# Golf: Lucas Herbert surged into a four-stroke lead after the second round of the Australian Open in Melbourne as his LIV Golf teammate Cameron Smith imploded on the back nine. In the women’s event, South Korean teenager Yang Hyo-jin upstaged a slew of big guns to be a shot clear. The 17-year-old’s mettle will be tested by major winners Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa, Shin Jiyai of South Korea, and Australia’s Hannah Green. The mixed tournament involves men and women teeing off in alternating groups on the same course.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-4-cents and the euro at 19-rand-8-cents. One British pound costs 22-rand-93-cents and Bitcoin trades at 96-thousand-111-dollars. Gold sells at two-thousand-659-dollars-56-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 72-dollars-33-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….