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The rand weakened to about R16.40 against the dollar as higher oil prices, weaker gold and expectations of further US interest-rate increases supported the US currency. The market moves could add pressure to fuel prices, borrowing costs and household budgets.
RAND

Rand weakens as oil prices rise and rate-hike fears support dollar

The rand weakened to about R16.40 against the dollar as higher oil prices, weaker gold and expectations of further US interest-rate increases supported the US currency. The…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 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 African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
LESETJA
Video

Watch: Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces September interest-rate decision

SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago is due to announce the MPC’s September decision on South Africa’s 7% policy rate, after economists differed over a 25-basis-point hike or a hold.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households, property owners and the economic recovery.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Property sector urges SA Reserve Bank to hold repo rate and protect fragile economic recovery

Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households,…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 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
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
The US Federal Reserve’s September interest-rate decision could influence the rand, fuel prices and the South African Reserve Bank’s policy debate. Economists are divided between a rate hike and a hold as inflation and growth data send mixed signals.
FOMC

Fed rate decision could put pressure on rand and South African households

How the US Federal Reserve's September interest-rate decision could impact the rand and South African fuel prices?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the repo rate at 7% highlights the limits of monetary policy as South Africa faces imported inflation, weak growth and deep municipal dysfunction.
LESETJA KGANYAGO

A 7% interest rate won't fix an oil shock, or a broken municipality

The Reserve Bank’s decision to hold the repo rate at 7% highlights the limits of monetary policy as South Africa faces imported inflation, weak growth and deep municipal…

  • Redge Nkosi
7 min read
Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Brent Crude oil prices remain elevated, putting October fuel prices in focus

Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed Brent crude above $90 a barrel.
KEVIN WARSH

Rand weakens as Fed rate-hike fears and Iran conflict weigh on markets

Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.
LOAN MARKET

South Africans turning to loan sharks as cost of living crisis deepens

A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and what they mean for consumers and businesses alike.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Could the strengthening rand lead to a repo rate cut?

The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Stats SA Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) on Wednesday indicated a decrease for the first time in July since February, with inflation having been increasing for the last four months, attributed to rising fuel and global oil prices caused by the Middle East tensions. Economists have welcomed the decrease in inflation.
INFLATION

South Africa's inflation sees first decline in five months amid easing fuel prices

Consumer Price Inflation in South Africa has decreased to 4.3% in July 2026, marking the first decline in five months. Economists and government officials welcome this…

  • Yogashen Pillay
4 min read
Benay SagerExecutive Head: DebtBusters said that the longer-term lending picture suggests that credit risk is increasingly concentrated among fewer consumers
DEBT

Top earners have begun to face unprecedented debt pressure, an index shows

DebtBusters' Q2 2026 Debt Index reveals alarming trends in debt repayment among top earners.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 min read