Market Overview
The FTSE/JSE All Share closed last week at 81 553.69, decreasing by 8.64%. Looking at the MSCI indices, developed markets decreased by 8.46% during the previous week, while emerging markets decreased by 2.90% over the same period.
Trump tariff plan dominates markets
The week’s headlines were dominated by Trump’s tariff announcement, which was far more severe than anticipated. After an initial drop, markets continued to decline as China responded with reciprocal tariffs on U.S. goods. The situation is expected to continue into this week, with more countries likely to introduce their own countermeasures.
Boost in SA vehicle sales
Total Vehicle Sales in South Africa rose by 12.5% year-on-year to 49,493 units in March 2025. Historically, total vehicle sales in the country have averaged 40,472 units per month from 1994 to 2025.
US job market remains robust
The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March, well above the downwardly revised 117,000 in February and exceeding forecasts of 135,000. It marks the strongest monthly gain in three months. However, revisions to January and February data show employment was 48,000 lower than initially reported. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2% in March, its highest level since November and slightly above market expectations of 4.1%.
Thanks to PPS Investments for the weekly Market overview.
Financial Indicators by Sharedata.co.za
Rand continues plunge as recession fears grip markets amid intensified trade war
The South African rand continued to decline sharply against major currencies on Monday morning, as recession fears gripped global markets, amid an intensified trade war as China announced retaliation measures against US tariffs. Read the MSN article here>
Euro gains alongside safe-havens as Trump tariff fallout grips markets
Investors bought the euro and poured into safe havens such as the yen and Swiss franc on Monday as the market rout from U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs deepened and fears of a global recession grew. Read the full article on Investing.com here>
Gold slides to lowest in three and a half years
Gold prices fell to a more-than-three-week low on Monday amid a wider market sell-off, continuing their retreat as investors dumped bullion to cover their losses in other trades on the fear of a global recession due to an escalating global trade war. Read the full BusinessDay article here>
Stocks plunge on tariff turmoil, markets bet on rapid US rate cuts
Major stock indexes plunged on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump showed no sign of backing away from his sweeping tariff plans, and investors bet the mounting risk of recession could see the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates as early as May. Follow the Reuters news article here>
Oil loses more ground amid recession fears
Oil prices slid more than 3% on Monday, extending last week’s losses, as escalating trade tension between the US and China stoked the fear of a recession that would reduce demand for crude. Read the BusinessDay article here>