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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
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
A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.
MARKET ANALYSIS

The hawk circling the rand

A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.

  • Bianca Botes
7 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
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
As Brent crude prices rise amidst geopolitical tensions, how will local currencies and commodities respond to the shifting economic landscape? Read on to find out more about market trends and what traders can expect in the coming week.
OIL PRICE

Oil gains while gold falls after strong US jobs data

Brent crude rose above $96 a barrel as US-Iran tensions raised supply concerns, while gold fell after stronger US jobs data reinforced expectations of higher US interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 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
As global markets reel from the ramifications of geopolitical instability, investors must navigate a landscape of uncertainty. The surge in emerging markets and the volatility in oil and gold serve as critical reminders of the interconnectedness of global economies and highlight why now, more than ever, a shift in investment perspectives is necessary.
GLOBAL MARKETS

Global markets fall as US-Iran strikes fuel oil and inflation fears

As global markets reel from the ramifications of geopolitical instability, investors must navigate a landscape of uncertainty. The surge in emerging markets and the volatility in…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 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
With Wall Street reacting strongly to Fed comments on inflation and interest rates, how will global markets fare? Discover the latest financial developments that are reshaping the investment landscape.
MARKET

Wall Street reacts to hawkish Fed comments, markets brace for potential rate hikes

With Wall Street reacting strongly to Fed comments on inflation and interest rates, how will global markets fare? Discover the latest financial developments that are reshaping…

  • Ashley Lechman
2 min read
South African markets ended August on a firmer footing, with the JSE, rand and resource shares advancing. However, rising oil prices and the prospect of higher fuel costs could still weigh on inflation and investor sentiment in September.
MARKETS

Financial markets improved strongly during August

South African markets ended August on a firmer footing, with the JSE, rand and resource shares advancing. However, rising oil prices and the prospect of higher fuel costs could…

  • Chris Harmse
3 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
In a day characterised by cautious optimism, Wall Street's mixed close reflects the complexities of today’s economic landscape, with Nvidia's strong earnings offer a glimmer of hope amidst the inflation discussions. As traders worldwide digest these developments, all eyes are on how these factors will shape the forthcoming trading sessions.
RAND DOLLAR

Wall Street closes mixed amid Nvidia earnings and inflation observations

In a day characterised by cautious optimism, Wall Street's mixed close reflects the complexities of today’s economic landscape, with Nvidia's strong earnings offer a glimmer of…

  • Ashley Lechman
2 min read
The South African rand continues its impressive rally, trading at R15.92 against the US dollar, as international oil prices decline. With crucial economic data from the US on the horizon, experts weigh in on the implications for the rand and the broader market.
KPMG

Market optimism rises as South African rand trades at R15.92 against the dollar

The South African rand continues its impressive rally, trading at R15.92 against the US dollar, as international oil prices decline. With crucial economic data from the US on the…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
The South African rand opens the week strong at R16.01 against the weakening US dollar, buoyed by rising gold prices and upcoming economic reports that could shape market trends.
RAND

South African rand maintains strength against the US dollar

The South African rand opens the week strong at R16.01 against the weakening US dollar, buoyed by rising gold prices and upcoming economic reports that could shape market trends.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
As global markets navigate a turbulent week, the shift away from technology stocks raises questions about the future direction of investments. Discover the impact on South Africa and key economic indicators that could shape market sentiment.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Global markets react to shifts in technology stocks amid economic indicators

As global markets navigate a turbulent week, the shift away from technology stocks raises questions about the future direction of investments. Discover the impact on South Africa…

  • Ashley Lechman
2 min read
Discover how South Africa's inflation rate drop and the renewal of the AGOA are reshaping the financial landscape and impacting key markets.
AGOA

Lower inflation and AGOA boost financial markets

Discover how South Africa's inflation rate drop and the renewal of the AGOA are reshaping the financial landscape and impacting key markets.

  • Chris Harmse
3 min read
The South African rand has demonstrated impressive resilience this week, rallying to R16.14 against the US dollar. This movement comes amidst a backdrop of mixed performances in global indices, as investors digest the latest insights from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes. Explore how these developments impact the financial landscape in South Africa and beyond.
RAND

South African rand shows resilience against the US dollar

The South African rand has demonstrated impressive resilience this week, rallying to R16.14 against the US dollar. This movement comes amidst a backdrop of mixed performances in…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
Global markets are rebounding after a tech sell-off, with Wall Street showing stability. Discover how the Fed's latest minutes are impacting investments, alongside updates from Asia and Europe.
RAND

Global markets rebound: Fed signals patience while the rand shows strength

Global markets are rebounding after a tech sell-off, with Wall Street showing stability. Discover how the Fed's latest minutes are impacting investments, alongside updates from…

  • Ashley Lechman
2 min read