inflationlatest news & developments
US President Donald Trump addresses the 81st United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on September 22, 2026.
MARKETS ON MONDAY

Week of drama ahead for financial markets

Markets shrugged off last week’s Iran shock – but the next few days could put that resilience to the test.

  • Chris Harmse
4 min read
While August inflation remained relatively contained, persistent services inflation and renewed oil price pressures could keep South African interest rates higher for longer.
INFLATION

South African Reserve Bank rate hike puts inflation and growth on a collision course

South Africa’s inflation outlook is becoming more challenging as higher oil prices, rising services inflation and food price risks complicate the path towards lower interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
Higher interest rates, rising inflation and expected October fuel-price increases are set to put further pressure on South African households, although construction activity provided a rare positive signal.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Sunday Review: Rates, inflation and fuel prices put pressure on households

A look at what’s driving prices – and what it means for households.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
The McDonald's Big Mac. Analysts suggest that at current rates of increases, South African's will be paying R130 for a burger by R230.
BIG MAC

Big Mac could cost about R130 in South Africa by 2030

The Big Mac is getting more expensive – and the numbers tell a bigger story about South Africa's economy.

  • Edward West
2 min read
A pour of gold at Pan African Resources’ Mogale Tailings Retreatment plant. South Africa's economy may have been in a far worse situation if not for the rally in precious metals prices this year.
GOLD MINING

Gold rally: What higher prices mean for South Africa

Oil is draining dollars from South Africa. Gold is bringing some of them back.

  • Edward West
5 min read
Oil prices have retreated from recent highs, but supply disruptions, refinery constraints and rand volatility mean relief at the pump could take longer to arrive.
FUEL PRICE

October fuel price hike: Why cheaper oil may not mean cheaper petrol

Brent crude is falling. Your petrol price isn't. Here's why.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced an increase in the interest rate on Wednesday.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Sarb hike: Are higher-for-longer rates back?

Could this be the last rate hike – or just the beginning?

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their budgets.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Repo rate rises to 7.25% as South African households face renewed financial pressure

South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces interest rate increase

The South African Reserve Bank has increased the repo rate to 7.25%, warning that fuel, food and electricity-price pressures could push inflation higher in the coming months.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
South Africa’s construction sector recorded a 5% quarter-on-quarter rebound in the second quarter of 2026, while employment rose by 95,000 year on year, according to the Afrimat Construction Index (ACI) on Monday.
CONSTRUCTION

Afrimat Construction Index rebounds 5% in second quarter

South Africa’s construction sector recorded a 5% quarter-on-quarter rebound in the second quarter, while employment rose by 95,000 year on year, according to the Afrimat…

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read
Rising electricity, water and transport costs are putting added pressure on South African household budgets, leaving less money available for groceries.
CONSUMER

Bills first, groceries last: SA’s household reality

Why does cheaper food still feel unaffordable?

  • Lutho Pasiya
4 min read
Economists say interest rates are likely to rise.
LESETJA KGANYAGO

How much could the Reserve Bank raise rates this week? Economists weigh in

The Fed has raised rates, fuel prices are climbing and the rand is under pressure. What will the Reserve Bank do?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
South Africa’s economic activity showed tentative improvement in August, but higher oil prices and the looming Reserve Bank decision continue to threaten the recovery.
SOUTH AFRICA ECONOMY

Sunday Review: South Africa’s recovery is gaining ground — but for how long?

South Africa’s economic recovery is showing green shoots — but the threats to it are mounting.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. File picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi
INTEREST RATE

Brace yourself, South Africa: a rate hike could be on the cards this week

Economists unpack the forces that could shape the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
Economists are split over whether the South African Reserve Bank will raise rates as higher oil prices threaten to reverse recent progress on inflation.
FEDERAL RESERVE

Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, complicating South Africa’s rate outlook

The Fed has made its move. Now economists are watching South Africa — and what happens next could matter far beyond interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
South Africa’s inflation rate fell sharply to 4.3% in July, but rising oil prices and higher fuel costs could push inflation higher again in the months ahead.
INFLATION

South Africa inflation outlook in focus as oil prices put pressure on September rate decision

South Africa’s inflation eased to 4.3% in July, but higher oil and fuel prices could slow further progress ahead of the Reserve Bank’s September interest-rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
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
South Africa’s economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter, while higher oil prices and a weaker rand put further pressure on financial markets and fuel costs.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Monday Markets: R2/litre petrol shock looms in October

Oil is surging, the rand is weakening and motorists could be in for a nasty October surprise.

  • Chris Harmse
4 min read
Consumers face mounting pressure.
GDP

GDP contraction puts pressure on South African consumers

South Africa’s latest economic number tells a bigger story.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Brent crude rose above $105 a barrel as attacks on shipping and renewed Middle East hostilities heightened fears of supply disruptions, with possible consequences for South African fuel prices.
CRUDE

Brent crude rises above $105 as Middle East shipping attacks intensify

Brent crude rose above $105 a barrel as attacks on shipping and renewed Middle East hostilities heightened fears of supply disruptions.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read