Market overview
The JSE All Share closed the week at 114 061.43 decreasing by 2.93%. The consumer staples sector decreased by 0.62% while the technology sector decreased by 12.86% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets increased by 0.47% (USD) during the week. Emerging markets increased by 2.66% (USD) during the same period.
Local events
• South Africa’s unemployment rate increased to 33.6% in Q2 2026, highlighting ongoing labour market challenges and pressure on economic growth.
• South Africa’s manufacturing production declined 1.7% year-on-year in June, marking a third consecutive month of contraction, although the pace of decline eased from May.
• South Africa’s mining production fell 4.4% year-on-year in June, reflecting continued weakness in key export commodities such as platinum group metals, coal and iron ore.
• Transnet plans to invest R35 billion in rail and port upgrades through 2030 to improve freight capacity, enhance export efficiency and support economic growth.
Global events
• US inflation slowed to 3.4% in July, marking a second consecutive monthly decline and reinforcing expectations of a more supportive interest rate environment as energy price pressures eased.
• US producer inflation was unchanged in July, while annual producer price growth slowed to 4.7%, signalling easing inflationary pressures and a more cautious Fed outlook.
• China’s inflation rate slowed to 0.5% in July, its lowest level since January, signalling softer domestic demand in South Africa’s largest trading partner.
• Ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are expected to keep fuel prices elevated, raising inflation risks and increasing pressure on global economic growth.
Thanks to PPS INvestments for the weekly Market Overview.
Financial indicators by Sharedata.co.za
South African rand starts week stronger with inflation data in focus
The South African rand firmed against the U.S. dollar in early trade on Monday as investors looked ahead to inflation data later this week for clues on the health of Africa’s largest economy. Read the latest from Reuters here>
Another problem for medical aid members in South Africa
South Africa’s prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) system remains largely unchanged despite significant changes in healthcare costs, treatment and disease patterns.
This is another challenge for medical aid members, who are already feeling the cost pressures of above-inflation premium increases over the years. Read the full article on Businesstech here>
Economic week ahead | Temporary slowdown in consumer inflation in June expected
Consumer inflation data from Stats SA due on Wednesday will headline an otherwise data-sparse week, with economists expecting a temporary slowdown in July becaue of lower fuel prices, driven by hopes at the time of a resolution to the US-Iran war that have since been dented. Read the full Businessday article here>
Major shake-up at South Africa’s largest petrol hub
Many petrol companies and other terminal operators running operations from the Island View Precinct (IVP) in Durban will sign long-term lease agreements for the first time since 2011. Read the full article on Topauto.co.za here>
Gold edges higher amid softer dollar, easing Fed rate hike wagers
Gold prices inched higher on Monday, sitting just under $4,400 an ounce, buoyed by a weaker U.S. dollar and fading expectations that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates at its next policy meeting. See the full article on Investing.com here>
Stocks mixed, oil extends gains as US data fuels economic worries
Asian stocks were mixed Monday following a retreat on Wall Street as investors assessed fresh data that tempered expectations for a US interest rate hike but indicated weakness in the world’s top economy. Read the full IOL Business article here>
Emerging markets march out of ‘valley of tears’ as investors diversify
War, tariffs and AI gyrations have done little to dent the flow of cash into emerging markets, as reforms, deeper local capital markets and diversification away from U.S. assets reshape the asset class. See the full article on Reuters.com here>