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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
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
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
South Africa’s GDP contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, while July mining production fell sharply. Manufacturing showed a modest recovery, but business confidence slipped to 38 in the third quarter as pressure on the economy persisted.
GDP

Sunday's economic review: Growth slows as mining slump deepens

South Africa's economy just shrank. Is worse still coming? We review the week that was.

  • Ashley Lechman
  • Yogashen Pillay
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
Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel on Wednesday, reviving concerns that higher energy costs could intensify inflationary pressure and weigh on markets. The rand remained relatively stable, while South African motorists faced renewed fuel-price risks.
OIL

Brent crude rises above $100 as inflation fears unsettle markets

Brent crude rose above $100 a barrel on Wednesday, reviving concerns that higher energy costs could intensify inflationary pressure and weigh on markets. The rand remained…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price increase in October.
OIL

Brent nears $100 after Hormuz tensions, raising fuel-price concerns

Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price…

  • 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
The rand is strengthening for a second consecutive week, holding below R16 to the dollar as high South African interest rates, a weaker US dollar and improved risk appetite support the currency.
RAND

Rand holds below R16 as gains extend into second week

The rand is trading below R16 to the US dollar as higher South African interest rates, a weaker dollar and improved investor sentiment support a second consecutive week of gains.

  • Ashley Lechman
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
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 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
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