Market overview
The JSE All Share closed the week at 119 025.10 increasing by 2.85%. The biggest contributing sector was the telecommunications sector, adding 6.43% while the oil and gas sector decreased by 3.17% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets increased by 3.69% (USD) during the week. Emerging markets increased by 7.44% (USD) during the same period.
Local events
* South Africa’s Absa PMI rose up to 49 in March 2026 but remained in contraction, as weak demand persisted and rising cost pressures weighed on confidence.
* South Africa’s retail sales rose by a stronger‑than‑expected 4.2% year on year in January 2026, driven by solid clothing and general merchandise spending, pointing to firmer consumer demand.
* Platinum prices fell by 2.69% in recent trading, pressuring local PGM producers given South Africa’s reliance on platinum mining, while copper and silver outperformed.
Global events
* US payrolls rose by 178K in March 2026, beating expectations and pointing to labour market resilience, reinforcing higher‑for‑longer rate expectations.
* US unemployment fell to 4.3% in March 2026, below forecasts, signalling continued labour market tightness despite softer participation.
* US inflation rose to 3.3% in March 2026, the highest since mid‑2024, driven by energy‑related price pressures linked to the Iran war.
* Euro area inflation rose to 2.5% in March 2026, remaining above the ECB’s target as higher energy prices reinforced a restrictive policy outlook.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Overview.
Financial Indicators by Sharedata.co.za
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