marketslatest 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
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
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
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
Sasol’s locally concentrated value chain shows how industrial investment can support regional economies—but also raises difficult questions about dividends, reinvestment, ownership and South Africa’s long-term energy transition.
SASOL

Sasol’s value chain raises questions about who benefits from South Africa’s resources

Sasol’s locally concentrated value chain shows how industrial investment can support regional economies—but also raises difficult questions about dividends, reinvestment,…

  • Dr Pali Lehohla
6 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
African Rainbow Minerals chairperson and founder Patrice Motsepe. African Rainbow Minerals lifted headline earnings 19% to R3.2bn for the year ended 30 June 2026, supported by higher platinum-group metals prices and a 113% increase in dividends received from Harmony Gold to R512m.
AFRICAN RAINBOW MINERALS

African Rainbow Minerals earnings soar to R3.2bn as Harmony Gold dividends top R512m

African Rainbow Minerals lifted headline earnings 19% to R3.2bn for the year ended 30 June 2026, supported by higher platinum-group metals prices and a 113% increase in dividends…

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 min read
South Africa’s latest economic data delivered mixed signals, with manufacturing confidence weakening while tourism and new vehicle sales improved. The rand remained relatively stable despite higher oil prices and global inflation concerns.
PMI

Sunday review: Rand holds firm as SA data paints mixed picture of economy

South Africa’s latest economic data delivered mixed signals, with manufacturing confidence weakening while tourism and new vehicle sales improved.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
5 min read
South Africa and Egypt have concluded negotiations on a veterinary health certificate for red-meat exports, but shipments will only proceed once the agreement has been formally signed.
FMD

South Africa and Egypt conclude red-meat export negotiations

South Africa and Egypt have concluded negotiations on a veterinary health certificate for red-meat exports, but shipments will only proceed once the agreement is formally signed.

  • Yogashen Pillay
3 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
Bidvest Chief executive Mpumi Madisa
BIDVEST
Breaking News

Bidvest approves R2.5bn LPG terminal investment as HEPS rises 4%

Bidvest has approved R2.5 billion in growth capital expenditure for a second LPG terminal at Richards Bay and expanded bulk capacity in Durban, while pursuing a renewed sale of…

  • Tawanda Karombo
3 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
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
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