Market insights
The JSE All Share closed the week at 115 180.50 decreasing by 1.19%. The biggest contributing sector was the oil and gas sector, adding 5.81% while the basic materials sector decreased by 4.01% during the same period.
Looking globally, developed markets increased by 0.92% (USD) during the week. Emerging markets decreased by 0.52% (USD) during the same period.
Local events
* South Africa’s headline CPI rose to 3.1% YoY in March 2026, ahead of expected April pressure from fuel and electricity costs.
* South Africa’s trade surplus narrowed to ZAR 31.9 billion in March 2026 as faster import growth outpaced exports despite firm demand for minerals, chemicals, and transport equipment.
* A Government’s draft National Rail Master Plan is costed at R1.9 trillion over 30 years, aimed at addressing rail undercapacity and easing freight and logistics constraints.
Global events
* The Fed kept rates unchanged at 3.75% in April 2026, citing elevated economic uncertainty despite rare dissent and geopolitical risks.
* US core PCE inflation rose by 0.3% in March 2026, lifting annual inflation to 3.2% and remaining well above the Fed’s 2% target.
* The ECB held interest rates steady at 2.15% in April 2026, citing heightened uncertainty as inflation risks rose and growth risks intensified amid geopolitical tensions.
* Germany’s flash Manufacturing PMI eased to 51.2 in April 2026, highlighting softer activity in Europe’s industrial core, with spillovers to global trade and SA exports.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market Insights.
Financial indicators by Sharedata.co.za
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