Global markets gained strongly in August 2026, supported by healthy corporate earnings and renewed technology demand. This monthly market review explores global equities, rising bond yields, inflation, the rand and South Africa’s resource-led JSE performance.
Higher oil, rising global yields and mixed European and Asian demand shape the external market backdrop for African investors and portfolios.
African investors face divergent inflation trends as lower oil, resilient US growth and tighter global rate expectations reshape currencies and portfolios.
A weaker dollar, stronger gold and volatile global yields reshape the outlook for African investors as currencies, inflation and oil risks diverge.
Softer inflation supported sentiment, while higher oil prices and mixed economic data kept markets cautious.
July’s Month in Review examines global market divergence, AI investment, rising bond yields, tariff pressures and South Africa’s evolving investment outlook.
Soft US jobs data lifts equities as rate fears ease, while gold gains, China supports growth and South African assets strengthen.
The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.50%–3.75% for a fifth consecutive meeting, a decision widely expected by markets.
June was an uneven month for markets.
Global markets were volatile over the last week as attention shifted from oil relief to renewed pressure in technology and AI-linked shares.
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