31 May 2026
Weekly Review: Oil Relief Lifts Markets, But Inflation Risks Linger
A sharp fall in oil prices on hopes of a U.S.–Iran agreement eased inflation concerns and lifted equities, while the SARB delivered its first rate hike in three years and the VIX dropped from above 30 to below 16.
24 May 2026
Weekly Review: AI Momentum Lifts Risk Assets Amid Inflation Concerns
Renewed momentum in AI-related shares and hopes of easing Middle East tensions lifted major global equity markets, even as higher oil prices pushed up rate expectations and South African inflation accelerated ahead of the SARB decision.
17 May 2026
Weekly Review: Inflation Resurgence Clouds Market Sentiment
U.S. headline inflation accelerated to 3.8% in April, its highest since May 2023, as higher energy prices and elevated Treasury yields offset AI-driven optimism and left major equity indices broadly weaker.
10 May 2026
Weekly Review: Earnings Momentum and Firmer Data Support Risk Assets
U.S. equities advanced as a resilient earnings season and a firmer labour market eased growth concerns, while Moody's struck a more constructive tone on South Africa's fiscal outlook.
3 May 2026
Weekly Review: Upbeat Earnings Drive Records as the Middle East Keeps Markets on Edge
A strong U.S. earnings season pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to record highs, capping the best month for the S&P 500 since November 2020, while the closed Strait of Hormuz and a fracturing OPEC kept oil markets on edge.