rand dollarlatest news & developments
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
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
Temporary rand stability could leave South African importers and exporters exposed, with finance chiefs being urged to treat currency risk as a corporate governance issue.
RAND

South African businesses warned not to be lulled by rand stability as FX risks grow

South African businesses are being urged to strengthen their foreign exchange risk management as geopolitical tensions, oil prices and global monetary policy create renewed risks…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 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
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
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 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
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
Discover how the South African rand continues to demonstrate resilience against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical tensions, potentially redefining the currency's future.
RAND

Rand trades below R16 to the dollar as weaker US currency supports gains

Discover how the South African rand continues to demonstrate resilience against a backdrop of global economic uncertainties and evolving geopolitical tensions, potentially…

  • Ashley Lechman
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
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
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