Rising U.S.–Iran tensions are shaking global markets, causing oil price volatility, trade disruptions, and fears of a wider humanitarian crisis. Threats to key routes like the Strait of Hormuz and vital infrastructure could drive inflation, slow growth, and increase uncertainty. Despite some diplomatic signals, the situation remains fragile with global implications.

Global markets experienced heightened volatility in February as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalated and investors reassessed risk across asset classes. Despite uncertainty, the broader economic outlook remains resilient, with easing inflation in major economies, shifting investment flows toward emerging markets, and encouraging developments within South Africa’s economy. This blog highlights the key global and local events shaping markets and what they may mean

Global geopolitical tensions, shifting alliances and heightened economic uncertainty shaped markets this month, even as SA leveraged the G20 spotlight to advance its development agenda and secure stronger investor confidence. South Africa saw meaningful domestic momentum through a sovereign credit rating upgrade, renewed fiscal discipline, and progress on key reforms, all supported by a resource-driven market rally. The medium-term outlook remains constructive despite struct

October 2025 saw mixed global and domestic developments, with the US facing a government shutdown and Inflation pressures, while China and the EU maintained cautious growth. A US-China trade breakthrough and easing Oil market tensions brought slight optimism. Domestically, South Africa celebrated its removal from the FATF grey list, steady inflation at 3.4% and renewed investor confidence supported by a stronger Rand and business sentiment.

Studies show that women achieve better investment returns than men by up to 1.8%. Women achieved higher returns while taking on less risk than men.

The JSE All Share Index surpassed 100 000 points for the first time in history. Most other indices also reached all-time highs, but the local market did exceptional.

June was dominated by what was coined by Donald Trump as the 12-day war. Israel launched airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—killing nuclear scientists and military commanders, aiming to delay Iran’s nuclear progress.

Markets rallied as investors cheered a tariff truce between the United States and China that greatly reduces the risk of a global recession.

In April 2025, the United States witnessed significant economic and political developments that influenced both domestic affairs and international relations.

Trump’s unpredictable trade policies complicate inflation outlook for central banks.

Prepare for a potentially wild ride, increased uncertainty, and volatile investment conditions. Stay focused on your long-term goals.

President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at immigration, transgender protection, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Last month's top news was the US election results, the polls indicated a close call, but it was more in line with the bookies' predictions.

October's themes has been discussions around inflation and interest rates, the war in the Middle East and Ukraine, and the US elections.

In a surprise move, the Bank of Japan raised rates for only the second time since 2007 to 0.25 %, the highest level in 15 years.

What an eventful month it was. An assassination attempt (the first of its kind in 43 years) was made on Donald Trump.

The outlook for inflation and consequently interest rates drove markets sharply higher after the latest US economic data.