How to know when the country's economy is improving

Good morning, let’s get into it!

If you want to know how to read the BSE reports, but you've ever looked at the market report in the Daily News or online, it probably looked like a wall of confusing numbers.

Let’s break down the only 3 things you need to know to read it like a pro:

1. The "Thebe" Rule (134 = P1.34) 🪙 Share prices in Botswana are quoted in thebe, not Pula.

• If you see BTCL at 134, it doesn't cost P134.00. It costs P1.34.

• Just move the decimal point two places to the left!

2. The DCI: Botswana’s "Economic Grade" You'll see the DCI (Domestic Company Index) at the top. Think of this as the average grade of all local companies (like FNBB, Sefalana, and Letlole).

• Green/Up: The local economy is feeling strong.

• Red/Down: Investors are being cautious.

3. The P250 Rule Can you buy just one share? Technically, yes. Should you? No. Because of broker fees (like the P35 handling fee and CSD levies), buying only P50 worth of shares means you’re losing most of your money to fees before you even start.