Market overview
The JSE All Share closed the week at 114 924.20 decreasing by 1.11%. The biggest contributing sector was the technology sector adding 10.36%, while the telecommunications sector decreased by 5.19% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets decreased by 1.71% (USD) during the week, while emerging markets decreased by 1.96% (USD) during the same period.
Local events
* South Africa’s GDP grew by 0.8% year on year in Q4 2025, well below expectations and slowing sharply from Q3, highlighting weakening momentum amid persistent structural constraints
* South Africa’s gold production rose by 0.7% year‑on‑year in January 2026, extending gains for a second month, though at a slower pace, underscoring continued volatility in the sector.
* South Africa’s mining production increased by 4.6% year‑on‑year in January 2026, driven by strong gains in platinum group metals, chromium and manganese, supporting firmer near-term momentum despite declines in some segments.
Global events
* China’s inflation rose sharply to 1.3% in February 2026, exceeding expectations on Lunar New Year effects, with core inflation firming to 1.8%.
* US inflation held steady at 2.4% in February 2026, with core inflation unchanged, suggesting price pressures remain broadly contained.
* UK GDP was flat month on month in January 2026, with annual growth slowing to 0.8%, reflecting subdued economic momentum.
* Geopolitical risks intensified amid the US–Iran war, driving market volatility, higher oil prices and elevated risks to inflation and global growth.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Overview
Financial indicators by Sharedata.co.za
JSE slides below 115 000 points amid Middle East oil shock
The JSE All Share Index closed the week at 114 924 points on Friday as global markets reacted to escalating conflict in the Middle East and the resulting surge in oil prices. Read the full Moneyweb article here>
Warning about new R46,000 tax-free limit in South Africa
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana may have increased the yearly tax-free investment allowance, but South Africans must still keep up to date on their additions and withdrawals. Read the full Businesstech article here>
Lights out for South Africa’s economy
South Africa’s declining economic growth over the past 15 years, with it only beginning a slow comeback in 2025, was largely due to electricity disruptions. Load-shedding disrupted normal business operations, costing companies billions in lost revenue, and resulted in large corporates engaging in subsistence investing rather than growth. Read the full Daily Investor article here>
Asia shares cautious, oil gains on Hormuz doubts
Asian markets were in a wary mood on Monday as hostilities in the Gulf kept oil prices elevated, clouding an inflation outlook that should keep most central banks on pause at policy meetings this week, and probably leading one to hike. Read the full article on Reuters.com here>
Gold and crude oil forecast: Attention remains on Middle East crisis
Markets remain firmly on edge as the conflict in the Middle East continues, with oil prices keep on grinding higher. Though European equities and US futures firmed up a tad today as traders wondered whether there may be an end in sight in the conflict, sentiment remained cautious. Read the full article on Forex.com here>