Market overview
The FTSE/JSE All Share closed last week at 109 243.60, decreasing by 1.10%. The telecommunication sector was the biggest contributor increasing by 3.11% during the previous week. The consumer discretionary sector lost the most ground, decreasing by 2.52% over the same period.
Looking at the MSCI indices, developed markets increased by 0.45% during the previous week, while emerging markets increased by 0.89% over the same period.
SA Producer Inflation continues to increase
South Africa’s PPI inflation rose for the fourth month to 2.3% in September 2025, compared to August’s 2.1%, though below analysts’ estimates of 2.6%. It was the highest reading since August 2024, with the of prices of food, beverages and tobacco contributing the most to the increase. On a monthly basis, producer prices edged down by 0.1% in September, after a 0.3% in the previous month.
US Lowers interest rates
The US Fed lowered interest rates by 0.25% to a target range of 3.75% – 4.00% at its October 2025 meeting, in line with market expectations. The move followed a similar cut in September, bringing borrowing costs to their lowest level since 2022. Policymakers cited increasing downside risks to employment in recent months while inflation has moved up since earlier in the year and remains somewhat elevated.
During the regular press conference, Fed Chair Powell said that the December rate cut is not a foregone conclusion. Investors have largely anticipated another 0.25% reduction in December, consistent with the Fed’s September projections. In addition, the central bank decided to conclude the reduction of its aggregate securities holdings on 1 December
Euro area GDP annual growth rate
The Eurozone economy grew by 1.3% year-over-year in Q3 2025, down from 1.5% in Q2 but slightly above market expectations of 1.2%, according to a flash estimate. Spain led the major economies, expanding 2.8%, followed by the Netherlands at 1.6% and France at 0.9%. Italy and Germany remained steady at 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly market overview.
Financial Indicators by Sharedata.co.za
South African Rand Forecast: USD/ZAR to Resume Decline to R17 After Tariff Turbulence
After a brief pullback, the South African rand has regained momentum, supported by consistent policy signals, improving trade prospects, and renewed global investor confidence. Read the full article on FXLeaders.com here>
Here is the official petrol price for November
The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has published the official fuel price adjustments that will take effect on Wednesday, 5 November 2025. Read the full Businesstech article here>
US cuts interest rates to lowest bank rate in three years
The US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has cut interest rates for the second time this year. The FOMC officials agreed to another 25 basis points (0.25%) cut, that lowers its benchmark lending rate to a range between 3.75% and 4%. See the full article and the potential impact for South Africa on IOL Business here>
Stocks gain on US-China trade truce; dollar lifted by Fed outlook
Global stocks were driven higher on Monday by optimism over a U.S.-China trade truce and surging investment in AI, while the dollar hit three-month highs as expectations for hefty U.S. rate cuts showed signs of waning. See the full article on Investing.com here>
Gold steady around $4 000 after China ends some tax incentives
Gold held around $4,000 an ounce after a weak start on Monday, as China ended a long-standing tax rebate for some retailers in a change that could weigh on demand in one of the world’s largest precious-metals markets. See the full Moneyweb article here>
Oil gains more ground after Opec+ suspends first-quarter increase
Oil prices climbed on Monday after Opec+ decided to hold off production hikes in the first quarter of next year, which eased the rising fear of a supply glut, but weak factory data in Asia capped the gains. See the BusinessDay article here>