Financial News 21st September 2026

Market summary
The JSE All Share closed the week at 113 002.41 decreasing by 1.65%. The biggest contributing sector was the industrial sector, adding 3.03% while the oil and gas sector decreased by 10.86% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets decreased by 0.45% (USD) during the week. Emerging markets decreased by 0.56% (USD) during the same period.

Local events
• South Africa’s retail sales surged 3.4% year-on-year in July, supported by strong growth in general dealers, clothing retailers, and specialised food stores.
• South Africa’s consumer confidence improved to -13 in Q3, supported by easing food inflation and improved sentiment among lower-income households.
• South Africa faces a potential gas shortfall from 2030, putting R700 billion in economic activity and 75,000 jobs at risk if alternative supply sources are not secured.

Global events
• The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 4% and signalled the possibility of further rate hikes as inflation remains above its 2% target.
• China’s industrial production grew 5.2% year-on-year in August, driven by stronger manufacturing activity and growth across key industries.
• US retail sales increased 1.2% in August, signalling resilient consumer spending and continued strength in the world’s largest economy.

Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Summary.

Financial indicators by Sharedata.co.za

ECONOMIC WEEK AHEAD: Reserve Bank faces tough call on rates amid inflation fears
The South Africa Reserve Bank has a tough call to make on interest rates this Wednesday, balancing consumer inflation that remains far above target against a struggling economy that would be hurt by a further eduction in consumer demand if monetary policy were to get more restrictive. Read the full article in Businessday here>

South Africa’s rand is in trouble
A narrowing interest rate differential between the United States and South Africa could spell trouble for the rand in the coming months. REad the full article in Daily Investor here>

U-turn for interest rate expectations in South Africa
Morgan Stanley has changed its call on South African interest rates and now expects the central bank to raise borrowing costs this week, saying renewed oil-price pressure increases the risk that inflation takes longer to return to its 3% target. Se the latest news in Businesstech here>

No immediate fuel tax relief planned as October hikes loom, but price structure is under review
The government has no immediate intervention planned to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel costs. See the latest from IOL here>

AI has arrived in South Africa’s boardrooms …
AI is beginning to influence how boards of directors make decisions in South African companies. Directors use it to do things like assess financial information, predict market trends or identify potential risks before making strategic decisions. Read about the implications of using AI and its legality in Moneyweb here>

Here we go again…
“It could have been worse.” That is probably the best way to sum up last week in the markets. The Fed’s rate increase and distinctly hawkish stance, which raised the prospect of further tightening, came as something of a relief.  See what’s happening this week in the Marketscreener article here>

Asia stocks rise on AI, US-China trade talks optimism
Asian stock markets mostly rose on Monday morning, boosted by global demand for artificial intelligence technology and positive signals from trade talks over the weekend between Chinese and US officials. Rad the full article on ENCA here>

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