1. The rand strengthened to R16.61/$ this morning. Overnight, the Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 slid, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite topped the 10,000 points for the first time ever.

2. Arguments will be heard in the high court in Pretoria this morning about government’s ban on cigarette sales. The Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association’s intends to argue that Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, does not have the authority to ban the sale of cigarettes. 

3. Business Day reports that there are 15 entities interested in buying Edgars and/or Jet from Edcon, which is in bankruptcy rescue.

4. The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa and the South African Cabin Crew Association say an investor from the United Arab Emirates may be interested in buying a stake in government-owned SA Express.

5. Hyprop, which owns malls like Rosebank Mall, Hyde Park Corner and Canal Walk, reported this morning that average foot fall at its malls is still down 24% from the same month last year.