Bonke DumisaIn the news
Brent crude opened the week above $108 a barrel, while the rand weakened against major currencies as investors awaited US and South African interest-rate decisions. Analysts warned that sustained high oil prices could add to inflationary pressure.
OIL

Oil prices climb to four-month high as rand gives back recent gains

Oil prices are rising as South Africa’s economy contracts. Could inflation force the Reserve Bank to raise rates?

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
A sustained rise in Brent crude towards $120 ((R1944) a barrel could raise fuel prices, inflation and interest-rate pressure in South Africa, while economists differ on whether it would trigger a global recession.
BRENTCRUDE

Oil shock looms: $120-a-barrel forecast sparks stagflation fears for South Africa

Could a sustained rise in Brent crude towards $120 a barrel trigger a global recession?

  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
The rand strengthened, producer and consumer inflation eased, and the average food basket became cheaper in August. But looming fuel increases and subdued salary growth mean household relief may be limited.
PPI

Sunday Review: Inflation eases and food basket costs fall, but fuel hikes loom

The rand strengthened, inflation eased and the food basket fell in August, but higher fuel costs and weak salary growth may limit household relief.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
6 min read