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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
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
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
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
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
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
Petrol prices will rise by R1.34 a litre and diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.
FUEL PRICE

Spring brings pain at the pumps as fuel prices increase for September

Petrol and diesel prices will rise from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.

  • 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
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