Market overview
The JSE All Share closed the week at 114 544.40 decreasing by -2.78%. The biggest contributing sector was the consumer staples sector, adding 3.27% while the basic materials sector decreased by 6.44% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets decreased by 0.28% (USD) during the week and emerging markets decreased by 2.45% (USD) during the same period.
Local events
* South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 32.7% in Q1 2026 with 301,000 more unemployed and employment declining by 345,000, signalling labour market weakness.
* South Africa’s mining production rose 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026, as declines in key commodities weighed on overall activity, indicating sector pressure.
* South Africa will be opening its rail network to private operators across 41 routes, as Transnet targets freight volumes of 250 million tonnes by 2029, signalling improving logistics and export capacity.
* SARS is targeting R44 billion in unpaid tax debt, aiming to strengthen government finances and improve revenue collection amid fiscal pressures.
Global events
* US inflation rose to 3.8% in April 2026, driven by a 17.9% surge in energy costs, signalling persistent inflation pressures.
* US–China agricultural trade fell 65.7% to $8.4 billion in 2025 but plans to reduce tariffs and improve market access signal a potential recovery in global trade flows.
* Freight rates on the Shanghai to Gulf route surged from $980 to $4,131 per container, with trade flows falling up to 80%, highlighting rising inflation pressures.
* US manufacturing output rose 0.6% in April, the strongest gain in 14 months, driven by a 3.7% surge in motor vehicle production and AI demand, though supply disruptions pose downside risks.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Overview.
Financial Indicators by Sharedata.co.za
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