Market Overview
The FTSE/JSE All Share closed last week at 110 022.80, increasing by 0.41%. The financials sector was the biggest contributor increasing by 4.98% during the previous week.
Looking at the MSCI indices, developed markets decreased by 2.30%, while emerging markets decreased by 0.60% over the same period.
Markets fall on more tariff fears
US stocks suffered their worst selloff in six months on Friday after President Donald Trump threatened “a massive increase of tariffs on Chinese products” imported into the US. The move comes after China announced tightened export controls for critical rare-earth metals on Thursday.
Slight improvement in US consumer sentiment
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment for the US came in at 55 in October 2025, compared to 55.1 in September and forecasts of 54.2, according to preliminary estimates. Consumer sentiment remained virtually unchanged from September, as improvements in current personal finances and year-ahead business conditions were offset by declines in expectations for future personal finances and current buying conditions for durable goods.
Big increase in Chinese imports
China’s imports surged by 7.4% year-on-year in September 2025, reaching a seven-month high of USD 238.1 billion and easily surpassing market expectations of 1.5%. The latest reading also marked a sharp acceleration from August’s 1.3% growth, representing the fourth consecutive monthly increase in purchases and the fastest expansion since April 2024. The growth was supported by strong domestic demand ahead of the Golden Week holidays and ongoing state-led infrastructure projects.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Overview.
Financial Indicators by Sharedata.co.za
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