Podcast appearances and mentions of alec hogg

Tonight's BizNews Briefing starts with Deputy Finance Minister David Masondo saying South Africa's public finances have reached a turning point, with debt stabilising and the deficit narrowing. Alec Hogg then reports from Parliament on bracket relief, a revenue surprise and improved “housekeeping” at Treasury. The programme shifts to the US for President Trump's economy-focused State of the Union, before closing with JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warning that parts of the lending market are heating up again.

Today's BizNews Daybreak, hosted by Alec Hogg, covers sweeping international developments, market-rattling AI advancements, and crucial South African economic updates. Here is a breakdown of the key stories: Global Tariffs & Geopolitics: The White House is preparing a formal directive to increase the global tariff rate to 15%. Additionally, tensions between the US and Iran remain high, with the primary risk being the potential blockage of oil delivery from the Gulf Coast, which could push oil prices to $100. AI Disruptions & Market Moves: IBM shares tumbled 13% after Anthropic announced that its Claude code tool can modernize the Cobalt software language. This AI disruption led author Nassim Taleb to warn of impending software bankruptcies. On the M&A front, Paramount raised its all-cash bid to buy Warner Bros Discovery to $30 a share. Gold & Crypto: Gold surged 3% overnight to reach $5,250 an ounce. In contrast, Bitcoin lost 4%, dropping to $63,500. UK Political Scandal: UK police arrested Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the US, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This arrest follows the release of emails allegedly showing him forwarding government information to Jeffrey Epstein. South Africa's Budget Windfall: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the national budget with an estimated R50 billion windfall in additional revenue, driven by high gold and platinum commodity prices. Economist Dawie Roodt advises using these funds to cut corporate taxes and adjust personal income tax brackets, warning heavily against using the surplus to increase government spending. Local Parliamentary Inquiries: The ad hoc committee investigating police and political capture has drawn heavy criticism. Ian Cameron expressed disappointment, stating the proceedings resembled a "soap opera" driven by TikTok likes instead of serious questioning.

In today's BizNews Premium Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg looks behind the curtain ahead of Budget lock-up — why South Africa's state has become too big, what a shrinking GDP-per-capita scoreboard signals, and what to watch for in the Minister's numbers. He also flags a sobering Financial Times read on Donald Trump's Iran dilemma and the rising risk of conflict, and ends with a practical Economist explainer on HRV — the wearable metric that may be the best indicator of overall health.

Massive global shifts set the tone for the week. In today's BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks implications for those selling into the world's biggest market - and specifically South Africans companies - after the US Supreme Court's decision to halt President Trump's controversial tariffs; update on the oil price which is hopping on military tensions between the US and Iran; another Anthropic innovation sparks a further stage in the Software Apocalpse; a clear warning to the SA government on handling the new US Ambassador, Brent Bozell III; and how CityMender SA, built by a 23-year-old student, is tracking service delivery issues across 25 municipalities.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg strips away the corporate polish to reveal why Sasol's 18-month share price high masks a "difficult" set of financial results and an $800 million debt hurdle. We explore a "software apocalypse" sparked by AI , Ruchir Sharma's take on why gold is breaking every traditional investment model , and the political earthquake of Helen Zille's return to her home turf in Johannesburg. Plus, we look at the whispers surrounding Patrice Motsepe's potential path to the presidency.

In today's edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a whirlwind of global and local developments, from escalating geopolitical tensions to startling political revelations. Here are the key takeaways from the broadcast: Market Movements: Sasol shares surged 11% to R142. Meanwhile, profit-taking led to declines for companies such as Telkom, Sibanye, and MTN. On the global stage, Amazon officially dethroned Walmart as the world's largest company by revenue. Geopolitics & Global News: US military forces are stationed in the Middle East as President Trump weighs a limited military strike on Iran. In the UK, the one-time royal formerly known as Prince Andrew was arrested in connection with his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. F1 in South Africa: Former FIA Senate member Anton Roux warns that strained political relationships with Washington, not the Kyalami track itself, are blocking Formula 1's return to South Africa. He also cautioned that Rwanda is actively competing to host the Grand Prix. Wall Street Culture: A lawsuit by 21-year-old former Centerview banker Catherine Shiber, who was fired after presenting a medical note requesting 8-9 hours of sleep per night, is sparking a major debate over investment banking's gruelling 100-hour work weeks. Apartheid-Era Justice: Retired Judge Chris Nicholson dropped a bombshell regarding the reopened inquest into the 1985 Cradock Four murders. He claims an "unholy pact" was formed between the senior leadership of the ANC and the old National Party to protect apartheid-era criminals from prosecution. Mining Tribute: The episode features tributes by Peter Major to Clem Sunter and the late Jan Nelson, the visionary creator of the top-performing gold company Pan African.

South Africa mourns a visionary: The Fox has left the building. In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg pays tribute to Clem Sunter, the legendary futurist who mapped South Africa's transition to democracy. We revisit a prescient warning he issued in 2020: that a developing nation cannot prioritize the "Green Flag" of climate change at the expense of its economic survival and entrepreneurs. Also in this episode: The Fed's Hawkish Reality Check: Global markets are on edge after the release of the Federal Reserve's January minutes. With the battle against inflation stalled, officials warn that interest rate cuts aren't guaranteed—and hikes might even be back on the table. Social Media's “Big Tobacco” Moment: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in a watershed trial accused of designing platforms to addict children. Bloomberg's Kurt Wagner explains why this legal battle is an existential threat to the tech giant's business model. Challenging History: Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki offers a provocative take on 1994, arguing that the real power shift wasn't to the ANC, but to an alliance of the African middle class and organized labor—who remain the state's true beneficiaries today.

In today's Editor's Desk update, Alec Hogg dives into the political whispers suggesting Patrice Motsepe may be the "rabbit in the hat" the ANC needs for the 2029 elections. We examine how recent changes to his role at African Rainbow Minerals align with these political ambitions and what a Motsepe presidency might look like for South Africa.

In today's edition, Alec Hogg explores a significant demographic milestone: new data reveals that African and white households are now level-pegging in South Africa's upper-middle-class income bracket. We delve into the implications of this shift, the migration of taxpayers from Johannesburg to Cape Town, and a critical look at Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency—a leadership defined by well-intentioned instructions that are rarely implemented in what has become a "Republic of no consequences".

In tonight's BizNews Briefing, Alec Hogg leads with a SENS-driven round-up: BHP's copper-led earnings, Afrimat's mixed operating picture and Blue Label's new energy-trading licence. David Woollam then weighs in on Tongaat Hulett, saying accountability gaps remain despite heavy professional-fee spend. Dino Zuccollo explains why UK property-backed private debt still appeals for defensive sterling income. The programme closes with Bloomberg's warning that AI demand is tightening global memory-chip supply.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg explores the internal tensions within the Democratic Alliance as John Steenhuisen warns against a "death wish" exit from the Government of National Unity. We also take a deep dive into South Africa's complex trade negotiations with China, the potential rise of a BRICS currency, and why wealthy Chinese entrepreneurs are swapping Singapore for the "bling" of Dubai.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg pulls back the curtain on the State of the Nation address, exploring why Pretoria may finally be waking up to the neglected potential of the mining sector. We dive into the "golden straitjacket" of international capital markets that is forcing a shift in South Africa's ideological approach to Eskom and privatization. Plus, a look at the staggering data from the Jeffrey Epstein email troves—revealing deep connections to global financial elites—and a defense of Paul O'Sullivan's recent interrogation by a parliamentary committee.

In this explosive edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks two major confrontations shaking South Africa. First, SAAI's Dr Theo de Jager exposes a "Covid-style" scam in the agricultural sector—alleging cronies lining up to charge farmers R300 for Foot-and-mouth disease vaccines that should cost just R55. He argues the cadres are using "biosecurity" as a smokescreen for profit-gouging and control. Plus, we take you inside Parliament for a fiery showdown between EFF leader Julius Malema and forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan, where accusations of espionage and fake qualifications flew across the committee room. Also in this episode: Gun Law Warning: Jonathan Deal of Safe Citizen explains why new legislation could leave vulnerable South Africans defenceless. Market Wrap: Capitec's muted reaction to strong numbers, Sasol's rise, and why the US is cosying up to Venezuelan oil. Global Shifts: Tension in Iran and a a boost for coal-based electicity production. Listen now for the context you need to win the day.

In today's edition, Alec Hogg reveals the true architect behind the "greatest private equity deal of all time"—the Naspers acquisition of Tencent—and shares a personal story of South African honesty encountered on the road to Mossel Bay. He also addresses the disturbing cancellation of a school tennis match between Roedean and King David, calling for a rejection of the ignorance and "bad agents" that threaten South Africa's inherent culture of tolerance.

As the world's mining heavyweights packed Cape Town for the biggest Indaba yet, veteran mining analyst Peter Major delivered a blunt verdict: metal prices are booming, Africa is surging, but South Africa is still shackled by policy paralysis. In this Director's Cut with Alec Hogg, Major unpacks the upbeat global mood, why Congo is racing ahead, and the two reforms that could unlock billions for SA overnight.

In this bumper edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg dives into the biggest questions shaking global markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claims Chinese speculators are manipulating gold prices—Morgan Stanley's Amy Gower weighs in on whether the precious metal is still a safe haven. Meanwhile, the bond market is betting big on AI longevity as Alphabet issues a massive 100-year bond. We also break down Spotify's record-breaking surge, Robinhood's controversial move into sports betting, and Xero CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy's defiant stance on why her company won't be replaced by AI bots. In this episode: Gold Wars: Is market manipulation or Chinese demand driving volatility? The 100-Year Bet: Why creditors see Alphabet's debt as a "trophy" asset. Spotify's Comeback: Record user growth sends shares soaring 15%. Robinhood's Gamble: The trading app pivots to "prediction markets" (sports betting) to boost revenue. Pharma Fight: Novo Nordisk sues Hims & Hers over copycat weight-loss drugs. Xero vs. The Bots: Why the accounting giant says their data moat is AI-proof.

Bitcoin is down almost half from its peak, trading below $65k as a "crisis of faith" hits crypto. Wall Street is selling off, Amazon is tanking, and JSE miners are shedding value fast - and for the second time, Rio and Glencore are walking away from a potential merger. Alec Hogg gives you the context you need to navigate the sea of red. Also: The FT's Chris Cook on the chaotic Epstein file release, and why SA's generals need to get out of politics.

Are tech giants spending too much on AI? Alphabet's capex is set to double, rattling investors. Alec Hogg breaks down the numbers, alongside a 7% drop in crypto and a weaker Rand. The briefing also covers the political earthquake in the DA with Steenhuisen's exit, Elon Musk's new "Muskverse" play, and the startling revelations found in leaked suspicious activity reports regarding Jeffrey Epstein.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a volatile morning on the global stage as the US Navy shoots down an Iranian drone, sending oil and defence stocks climbing. On Wall Street, Anthropic's latest release triggers a "SaaS apocalypse" sell-off, raising questions about the survival of legacy software firms. Back home, private airline CemAir celebrates its 20th anniversary by inking a strategic code-share with SAA, while tax expert William Louw exposes the bureaucratic maze that traps South Africans looking to emigrate. Plus, a heartbreaking look at Zimbabwe's economic collapse and the widening gap between the elite and the impoverished.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg covers the global tech shake-up and critical local stories moving the markets. Top stories: Musk's New Titan: Elon Musk is merging SpaceX and xAI to create a "vertically integrated" tech giant valued at $1.25 trillion—essentially building data centres in orbit. Palantir's "Category of One": DA Davidson's Gil Luria explains why Palantir has no competition, smashing the "Rule of 40" with a score of 127% and accelerating growth while peers slow down. SA's Tech Secret: ASP Isotopes CEO Paul Mann reveals how South Africa is producing the critical materials needed to keep Moore's Law alive and power the next generation of semiconductors. Local Industry Crisis: The DTIC runs out of funds for film incentives, leaving the local movie industry owed over R660m and facing a 50% contraction. Markets: Gold stabilises after its collapse, the Rand holds at R16/$, and Bitcoin rebounds 5%. Plus: A global backlash hits baby formula giants Nestle and Danone after a supply-chain toxin scare.

It's a red start to the week for commodities and crypto, with Gold taking a massive $600 knock and Bitcoin tumbling to 2025 levels. On today's BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the market carnage; Col Chris Wyatt offers his insights into the mysterious death of online activist Goolam; we also look at the "convergence of the Musk-verse" as rumours swirl about a Tesla-SpaceX merger, and hear from CapeNature on the relentless poaching of SA's marine and floral heritage.

In an age obsessed with speed, noise and instant success, this address takes a different route. Drawing on the mental models of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, it strips life back to first principles: how to avoid failure, how to protect the one asset you cannot replace, and why reliability has become the rarest currency of all. Alec Hogg's keynote delivered to the Class of 2025 in the Overberg, is not a motivational speech, but a practical framework for living well in a difficult country and an even more difficult world.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg unpacks the sudden death of X commentator Goolam — a polarising “town crier” whose influence shaped South Africa's political narrative battles. Alec revisits the anomalies raised about the scene, shares context from his own correspondence with Goolam, and asks what it means for truth-telling, free speech and personal safety in the digital age.

On this morning's BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a massive overnight shift in global markets: The "Fear & Greed" Trade: Gold has surged $300 to a record $5,566/oz, pulling JSE miners like Harmony Gold (+10%) and Gold Fields (+8%) skyward. The FT's Katie Martin and Rob Armstrong argue this isn't just a safety play—it's a "heady cocktail" of fear, greed, and naked speculation. The "Permabear" Warning: Legendary investor Jeremy Grantham reveals a "dirty trick" he played at a 1990s conference, proving that 99% of Wall Street professionals knew the Dotcom crash was inevitable but refused to say so publicly due to career risk. Fed vs. Trump: The US Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady, with Chair Jay Powell firmly asserting the central bank's independence amid pressure from the Trump White House. Tech Earnings: Big beats from Tesla, Meta, and ASML have steadied Wall Street, with Elon Musk doubling down on investments in xAI despite scepticism. Currency Check: The Rand has strengthened significantly, starting today below R15.70/$ amidst the Dollar's continued wobble.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg covers a historic morning for South African markets as the Rand strengthens well below the R16/$ mark, trading at R15.88, while Gold surges to a fresh peak of $5,232/oz. Key highlights include: Dollar weakness or Rand strength? Analysts leave little doubt what's really behind the SA currency's recent surge. Market Movers: Ahead of its results later today, ASML jumps 3%, but Tesla falls 1%. Overnight General Motors hits a new peak, but US health insurers UnitedHealth and Humana crash 20% on Medicare rate shocks - contamination fears for SA's Discovery? The "River of Vaccines": Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen reveals a groundbreaking public-private partnership to eradicate Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), aiming to vaccinate 14 million cattle and restore SA's FMD-free status in under 10 years.

Gold has smashed through $5,000, ETFs are fuelling momentum, and global capital is hunting for supply. Veteran mining analyst Peter Major explains why this rally feels different, why junior miners are lagging, and how South Africa is once again squandering a historic opportunity. A wide-ranging conversation with Alec Hogg on policy paralysis, mining capitalism and what could still turn the tide.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak for Tuesday, 27 January 2026: Markets Rally: The Rand strengthens overnight below the critical R16/$ level, while Gold opens the day above a record $5,000/oz, driving massive gains for JSE miners. The FMD Crisis: A dairy farmer and Sakeliga CEO, Piet le Roux, expose how the state is allegedly "blocking solutions" to the Foot-and-Mouth epidemic, forcing businesses to intervene in a "systemic failure." Trump's Trade War: The US President slaps surprise 25% tariffs on South Korea and makes a historic $1.6bn direct investment into Rare Earths to counter China. Survival Story: Rusty Labuschagne recounts the harrowing nightmare of spending 10 years in Zimbabwean prisons for a crime he didn't commit. Hosted by Alec Hogg.

Alec Hogg brings you Monday's top business and geopolitical stories: Trump's Board of Peace: The new US President unveils a controversial rival to the UN with a $1 billion entry fee—and South Africa is not on the guest list. Valterra Platinum: The miner formerly known as Amplats flags a doubling in profits despite floods and cost-cutting, signalling a strong start for the rebranded giant. Farewell, Barloworld: After over 80 years, the industrial titan “Barlows” (BAW) will delist from the JSE tomorrow, marking the end of an era for public investors. Sasol's Grit: The energy giant stabilises its engine room with a fatality-free quarter and a fix for its coal quality woes at Secunda. SANDF Scandal: US intelligence analyst Chris Wyatt breaks down the shock promotion of a “murder-charged” General to lead SA's Special Forces. Plus: Gold through $5 000, market movers and commodities updates. Start your week with the context you need to win the day.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg unpacks Davos' shifting centre of gravity — from Elon Musk's surprise debut to Donald Trump's blunt warning that global pharma pricing is about to change. He then brings it back to home truths: what rising medicine costs could mean for South Africa's NHI ambitions, and why Uganda's “election” exposes the ugly reality of power politics in Africa.

Today on BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the key stories shaping your day: Musk at Davos: Despite past criticism, Elon Musk makes a surprise appearance at the World Economic Forum, declaring full self-driving a "solved problem." Political Earthquakes: The Democratic Alliance faces shock by-election losses as the Patriotic Alliance surges in George and the Freedom Front Plus makes major gains in Tshwane. Market Moves: Sasol jumps 14% on higher oil prices, Mr Price gets a vote of confidence from Allan Gray, and Investec continues its massive share buyback. Tech & Trade: GinsGlobal's Anthony Ginsberg on the US tech rally and how South Africa can secure better trade deals with a booming American economy. Start your day with the context you need to win. Listen now for the full insights.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg breaks down the context you need to win the day: Markets in Turmoil: US tech stocks take a hit with Nvidia and Tesla down 4%, while Gold roars to a fresh record of over $4,800/oz. Trump vs. The World: Investor sentiment sours as Donald Trump's latest moves regarding Greenland and NATO spark fears of a trade war. Netflix Plunge: Shares drop another 5% as investors continue to reject the Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition plan. Prosus at Davos: CEO Fabricio Bloisi speaks from the World Economic Forum on the future of the tech giant. The BEE Debate: NEASA CEO Gerhard Papenfus issues a blistering response to Minister Gwede Mantashe's claim that white South Africans hate BEE due to "white supremacy". JSE Movers: Gold shares soar, Sasol breaks its slide, recovering to over R100/share, while Orion bounces back 7%. Business History: The fascinating story of how Warren Buffett bought Berkshire Hathaway not for love of the business, but out of pure spite over a 12-cent dispute. Get the full context at BizNews.com

In this edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks the global and local stories moving the markets this morning: Diplomatic Friction: Tensions between the US and the EU escalate while South Africa's own relationship with Washington deteriorates over Iranian participation in naval exercises. Retired US intelligence analyst Col. Chris Wyatt weighs in on whether Pretoria should "dig in" or repair relations to protect trade. More on the "Madman" Theory: Piet Viljoen provides another perspective on historian Niall Ferguson's argument that Donald Trump's erratic behaviour—including his aggressive bid for Greenland—is a calculated strategy. Market Movers: On a relatively quiet JSE while the US takes a holiday, Sibanye Stillwater jumps 3% on news of a strategic pivot at its Keliber lithium project in Finland, while Sasol falls below R100 on lower oil and a stronger Rand. Investment Outlook: Counter-cyclical investor Piet Viljoen explains why 2026 could be another banner year for South African assets. Sign up for the BizNews Conference in Hermanus (March 10-12) as seats are filling up - details at BizNews.com.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg dives into the shifting tides at the World Economic Forum, where entrepreneur Fabricio Bloisi is redefining the Naspers/Prosus playbook. As the group pivots from selling Tencent shares to offloading underperforming assets, Alec asks the pointed question: is the South African media portfolio next on the chopping block? The episode also explores the "hostile takeover" of Davos by Donald Trump's influence, Mariana Mazzucato's scathing critique of current global power politics, and the questionable democratic outcomes in Uganda. Finally, Alec previews a fiery interview with Gerard Papenfuss of NEASA, who takes a direct swing at Minister Gwede Mantashe over the weaponization of BEE rhetoric.

In this candid and hard-hitting interview, Alec Hogg speaks to Gerhard Papenfus, CEO of the National Employers' Association of South Africa, about his open letter condemning Black Economic Empowerment. Papenfus argues that BEE has distorted markets, damaged entrepreneurship, and entrenched elitism rather than broad-based upliftment. He challenges prevailing political narratives, questions the sustainability of empowerment through ownership transfers, and calls for merit-based economic reform to restore growth, accountability, and genuine inclusion.

Iran admits brutality; Niall Ferguson on Trump's “Madman Theory”; Andrew Ross Sorkin on the next Great Depression; China's play for Iron Ore pricing power. In this edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg unpacks a volatile start to the week: Iran on the Brink: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (86), in power for 37 years, breaks his silence, admitting to the brutal repression of recent anti-government protests that billed thousands. Method to the Madness: Historian Niall Ferguson explains why Donald Trump's chaotic geopolitical moves—like the bid for Greenland—might be a calculated application of Nixon's “Madman Theory” to deter adversaries. Market Crash Fears: With anxiety rising, New York Times columnist and author of a recent bestseller on the subject Andrew Ross Sorkin weighs in on whether a 1929-style collapse is possible today, or if government debt is the real ticking time bomb. Commodities Shift: Beijing makes a major move to centralize iron ore purchases, threatening the pricing power of global mining giants. Check the bond market, watch the tariffs, and win the day.

In this episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg covers the intersection of high-stakes global politics and critical local challenges: Trump's Nobel Moment: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump at the White House, calling him the “heir to Washington”. US-Taiwan Trade Deal: The US and Taiwan agree to a trade deal that lowers tariffs to 15% and secures a $250bn investment in the American AI and energy sectors. Jamie Dimon on the Fed: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon dismisses speculation, saying there is “no chance” he will replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve Chair. SA's Agriculture Crisis: Minister John Steenhuisen is under pressure as Foot and Mouth Disease spreads like a “veld fire,” with ActionSA's Athol Trollip criticising the lack of compensation for farmers. Market Rally: The JSE sees gains with Purple Group (+3%) and local car retailers up, while global tech giants ASML and TSMC surge on the back of the AI boom. Investment Insight: A look at why the “flow of funds” is currently outweighing company fundamentals in driving share prices.

ETFs and mandates are reshaping markets. In today's Editor's Desk, BizNews editor Alec Hogg explains why $1 of inflows can move $5 of market value—plus what SA's foot-and-mouth vaccine fiasco says about state capacity. R10k prize for your best 800-word investment idea.

In this morning's briefing, Alec Hogg unpacks a volatile geopolitical landscape where conflicting reports emerge from Iran—Donald Trump claims de-escalation while internal memos suggest mass casualties. We speak to Iranian-born and bred entrepreneur and former UCT Economics Prof Iraj Abedian, who delivers a scathing critique of the South African government's silence on human rights abuses in Iran. On the markets, the South African Rand resilience continues, strengthening to R16.42 against the Dollar. Sasol enjoys a great few days, up 17% for the week, while cracks in the MTN share price surge take a hit on Iran exposure fears. Finally, mining expert Peter Major explains why the US government might bring an "open chequebook" to the upcoming Mining Indaba in Cape Town as the race for critical minerals heats up. Key Topics & Highlights: Market Snapshot: The Rand holds recent gains at R16.42/$; Gold dips slightly while Bitcoin holds firm at $95,750. Stock Movers: Sasol climbs another 5.5% (best performer among large caps); MTN falls 70% over the last year (down 2.3% yesterday) due to Iran exposure; US banking stocks (Wells Fargo, Citi) slide on earnings. The Iran Crisis: Conflicting narratives between the White House and reports on the ground. Dr. Iraj Abedian Interview: A powerful discussion on why the SA government is maintaining relations with a regime Abedian describes as the "Nazis of the 21st Century," and whether this violates South Africa's own constitutional mandate. US Politics: Trump's latest comments on Greenland and Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Mining Indaba Preview: Peter Major discusses the "US vs China" battle for critical minerals and the unique opportunity for South Africa to secure Western investment.

It is a morning of relief and reward for South Africa. Alec Hogg breaks down two major regulatory victories that will ease the cost of doing business: the US House has officially passed the AGOA extension bill, and the EU has removed South Africa from its high-risk "grey list" jurisdictions. Also in this episode: Geopolitics: Iran reaches a boiling point as protests turn deadly, while Venezuela releases US prisoners. The Deal Closed: ASP Isotopes completes its acquisition of Renagen, handing founders Stefano Marani and Nick Mitchell senior global roles and (large) dollar-based pay packets. Davos 2026: The World Economic Forum has morphed into a "Donald Trump Fan Club" with notable absence of BRICS and the Global South. Markets: Bitcoin nears $100k, Sasol rallies 4.5%, and JPMorgan drags down Wall Street.

Trump's Iran tariff threat puts SA trade at risk; add MTN's Iran exposure and a global tax grab, and the warning lights are flashing. In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg unpacks the Iran powder keg, MTN's exposure, BRICS blind spots, and why “taxing the rich” often backfires.

In this morning's edition of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg breaks down the market-moving news that Donald Trump has drawn a "line in the sand": an immediate 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran. While South Africa trades "peanuts" with Tehran, the local economy ships billions in vehicles and minerals to the US—putting the auto and mining sectors at immediate risk if Pretoria does not cut ties. We analyse the "binary choice" now facing the Government of National Unity: a symbolic friendship with Iran or the survival of our export economy. Also in this episode: Market Wrap: Resources stocks are going "gangbusters" with Harmony, Impala and Northam Platinum surging over 7%, while "SA Inc" stocks like Outsurance and Remgro come under pressure. US Crisis: Escalating threats to the US Federal Reserve's independence. Iran Unrest: The FT's Andrew England on the defiance of Iran's mullahs despite growing civil unrest. Washington View: Josh Meservey of the Hudson Institute explains how the US views Pretoria's defence of Venezuela and Iran.

In this episode of Boardroom Talk, Alec Hogg dissects the guest list for the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos—and finds a gathering that looks less like a global village and more like a victory lap for the new Western order. The “Trump” Factor: How the return of Donald Trump, alongside leaders like Javier Milei and new Canadian PM Mark Carney, has turned Davos into a “fan club” for the populist right. The BRICS Boycott: With no Xi Jinping, no Lula, and no Ramaphosa, is the “Spirit of Dialogue” actually just a Western monologue? The AI Takeover: Why the real power brokers this year aren't politicians, but tech titans like Jensen Huang and Satya Nadella. SA's Missed Open Goal: Why President Ramaphosa's absence is a strategic failure right after South Africa's removal from the EU high-risk list. Alec argues that the WEF has fundamentally changed, perhaps explaining why his own invitation - serving a constituency in South Africa that's not terribly appealing to the new WEF bosses - was rescinded after 19 years. Is this the end of the globalist era? Listen now to understand the new geopolitical fault lines drawn in the Swiss snow. #Davos2026 #WEF26 #DonaldTrump #BRICS #AlecHogg #BizNews #SouthAfrica #AI #Geopolitics #GlobalEconomy

Alec Hogg unpacks a developing crisis in South Africa's agricultural sector, where farmers describe the uncontrolled spread of Foot-and-mouth disease as a "state-enabled disaster." With the outbreak being called the worst hit to livestock since the Rinderpest of 1897, we hear from experts on the ground who say current government regulations are like "denying water to a burning house." Also in this broadcast: Global Shock: Federal prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jay Powell regarding headquarters renovations—a move Powell calls a political pretext. The "Melt-Up" Market: Investment strategist Magnus Heystek breaks down an extraordinary year where "everything made money," from a 50% jump in the SA market to a staggering 180% rise in gold shares—offering a powerful counter-narrative to the doom-mongers. Iran Erupts: Analysis on the mass protests in Tehran driven by historic inflation and economic collapse.

Alec Hogg connects the dots from Mozambique's unrest to Angola's UNITA surge — and what it signals for liberation parties, SA's 2026 vote, and a tougher global order.

In this edition of BizNews Daybreak for Friday, 9 January 2026, Alec Hogg breaks down the market-moving stories you need to win the day. A massive deal is back on the table as Rio Tinto and Glencore revisit a potential mega-merger. We also feature insights from "The Big Short" legend Michael Burry, who joins author Michael Lewis to warn of an overheated stock market and share a bearish take on high-flyer Palantir. Closer to home, David Shapiro explains why South African companies are stuck in "survival mode" and argues that fixing basic infrastructure matters more than new government white papers.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg explores the controversy surrounding Elon Musk's Starlink being "banned" in South Africa and the rare insights of "The Big Short" legend Michael Burry. We also dive into a scathing Economist critique of Donald Trump's recent moves in Venezuela and the massive potential merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore that is shaking the global mining industry.

South Africans are being told everything is fine. Magnus Heystek says it's a dangerous illusion. In a wide-ranging conversation with Alec Hogg, the veteran investment strategist warns that falling GDP per capita, rising taxes, weak property returns and flawed retirement structures are steadily hollowing out the middle class. From Regulation 28 and retirement annuities to Cape Town's housing bubble, offshore investing and why optimism may be masking long-term decline, Heystek lays out the uncomfortable maths many would rather ignore. This is not fearmongering, he argues, but survival planning for a country at a financial crossroads.

In today's episode of BizNews Daybreak, Alec Hogg covers a dramatic morning for global and local markets. The Trump administration ramps up pressure on Venezuela with oil tanker seizures, while we hear of escalating repression of the population by Maduro's underlings. Locally, the JSE sees action as HCI sells its 65% stake in Hermanus's biggest shopping mall for R600m and the ASP Isotopes-Renergen deal officially closes. Plus, regulators slam Novus for "conscious lying" in the Mustek takeover, with its chairman deeply implicated. Plus, mining guru Peter Major explains why portfolio favourite Orion Minerals has surged 36% this week.

In today's Editor's Desk, Alec Hogg discusses the "higher purpose" Andy Mothibi brings to the NPA and reunites with market legend David Shapiro to track down South Africa's missing business titans. From the broadcasting "dungeons" of the 90s to a modern reality check on the Ozempic weight-loss craze, we explore why there is truly no free lunch in politics, markets, or health.

From the powder keg in Iran to Donald Trump's grand return to Davos, Alec Hogg breaks down why South Africa's recent military and political alliances could leave us increasingly isolated on the global stage. Plus, a fascinating look at a 9,500-year-old archaeological discovery in Malawi that rewrites the history of our continent.