1. The IMF has once again lowered the economic growth outlook, not just for South Africa, but for most of the world. And yet despite this, markets are rallying strongly. How do you explain this?
2. The impact of the very low commodity prices over the last year is clearly evident from the Q1 earnings report released by Alcoa yesterday. This traditionally kicks off the earnings season in the US. Is this a sign of things to come?
3. And yet despite this so-called "earnings recession", it was reported yesterday that South Africans continue to take money out of the country at an unprecedented pace.

Communications Minister Faith Muthambi says the proposed funding model for the SABC will be finalised soon. Muthambi was responding to questions from members of the Communications Committee in Parliament after the SABC and various entities under her department, presented their budgets and strategic plans to the committee. The SABC also faced questions about the upcoming election coverage of political parties. Mercedes Besent has more

1. Asian Stocks Advance as Japan's Topix Gains With Retreat of Yen
2. Emerging-Market Assets Advance for Fourth Day on Dollar Weakness
3. Tech stocks: Flying too high?

The World Bank has warned that countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will continue to face low and volatile prices in global commodity markets. It says different African governments must take steps to adjust to a new lower level of commodity prices and develop new sources of sustainable and inclusive growth. It however says to do this, they need better institutions for effective planning and co-ordination to spur the region's economic transformation. The bank was releasing its report titled Africa's Pulse. Morafe Tabane has more on this

Former president Thabo Mbeki has dismissed claims that introduced the Gupta family to President Jacob Zuma. In a statement released by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation Mbeki, it rejected reports that a member of the Gupta family served as an economic advisor to then-president Mbeki. For more Bongi Gwala spoke to Thabo Mbeki Foundation Mukoni Ratshitanga

While The CEO of the Gupta-owned Oakbay Resources, Nazeem Howa, says he plans to challenge bank CEOs for closing the company's accounts, thousands of employees working under for the Gupta family business face an uncertain future. Tshepo Mongoai reports

Oakbay Investments, will this week embark on a campaign to restore relations with South Africa's major banks. Last week the company owned by the Gupta family, has had a misfortune of being deserted by four banks in South Africa. There has also been a lot of controversy about the whereabout of the Gupta brothers after they resigned from their positions at Oakbay Resources on Friday. Bongi Gwala spoke to the Chief Executive Officer of Oakbay Investments, Nazeem Howa

Congress of the People (COPE) has withdrawn from parliamentary activities. This follows a meeting of the party's Congress Executive Committee in Johannesburg yesterday to consider the recent Constitutional Court judgment on President Jacob Zuma's Nkandla home. For more Bongi Gwala spoke to COPE president Mosiuoa Lekota

1. The Rand has put in a very strong showing over the last few days. What is the reason for this strengthening trend?
2. Does this also explain the strength in commodity prices? Both precious metals and oil prices have increased quite a bit.
3. This change of fortune for gold comes at the same time as a wage settlement between AMCU and Sibanye was announced. Is this a good thing for the beleaguered gold industry?

Police at Welkom in the Free State have recovered the bodies of 3 illegal miners, also known as zama-zamas, from Harmony Mine's Eland shaft. They are believed to have inhaled methane gas underground. Police have also recovered food and beverages worth of a million rand at a house in Welkom. The food was destined for a mine shaft occupied by illegal miners. These pre-packaged food parcels get wrapped in bubble wrap and are labelled before they are thrown down ventilation shafts. Thabiso Radebe filed this report