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Copper has been identified as the main driver of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in South Africa’s mining sector. Photo: Getty Images

Copper driving mergers and acquisitions in SA mining sector, report finds

The PwC report said the global pursuit of a just energy transition and the need for consolidation were reshaping the landscape of the local industry

When viewed annually, the white maize harvest is down 26%, with yellow maize down 10% from the 2022-23 season. File photo

Agricultural outlook: What to expect for South Africa’s maize and oilseed market

White maize prices are likely to be 30% higher, with yellow maize up by 20%

Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 7, 2024 in New York City. Trump has been charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which prosecutors say was an effort to hide a potential sex scandal, both before and after the 2016 presidential election.(Photo by Sarah Yenesel-Pool/Getty Images)

How a potential Trump return to power could impact commodity prices and global markets

The Republican candidate is running a tight race against incumbent Joe Biden, who could see his Inflation Reduction Act dismantled

How do geopolitical manoeuvres shape your trading and marketing moves?

Market participants must stay abreast of geopolitical developments such as conflicts when making trading decisions

Small businesses in Khayelitsha have been paying over R3 more for eggs since November . (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Eggs, chicken prices soar: ’Load shedding is killing us’

Small businesses in Khayelitsha have been paying over R3 more for eggs since November

Food prices soared in Sierra Leone in 2022. (Saidu Bah/AFP)

Political and economic volatility will continue in Africa in 2023

Although direct trade and financial links between Africa, Russia and Ukraine may be small, the main effect of the war will be civil strife in Africa driven by food and energy…

Motorists can expect relief at the fuel pumps in October, with the price of all grades of petrol and diesel set to decrease from Wednesday

Russia-Ukraine crisis sends oil prices soaring as South Africans face record fuel prices

The threat of a major war in Europe has kept global financial markets on tenterhooks

Economists widely expect the South African Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee to once again hold the interest rate at 8.25% when it concludes its meeting on Thursday.

‘A cruel slap’: Reserve Bank weighs inflation risks as the economy struggles

Critics have said the repo rate hike will jeopardise already sluggish economic growth, but others say the gradual increase will have little effect

South African Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago. Photo: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Reserve Bank green-lights interest rate lift-off

The decision to hike the repo rate by 25 basis points comes in the wake of red-hot inflation in advanced economies and fears policymakers will start to dial back on accommodative…

Holding the line: Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana (centre), who has been in the job for just 100 days, arrives for his mid-term budget presentation to parliament. He said  growth, which relied on economic reforms, was imperative. (Dwayne Senior/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Godongwana holds off on basic income grant decision, closes taps to state enterprises

Godongwana warns that the outer limits of the budget are non-negotiable as a debt cliff loomed

The MTBPS stresses that there are already 18.3 million citizens who receive one or another form of welfare grant. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Social welfare: Investment not debt, taxation and consumption

A rebuttal to Colin Coleman’s remarks at the National Investment Dialogue suggests South Africa certainly has a debt problem

Economists widely expect the South African Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee to once again hold the interest rate at 8.25% when it concludes its meeting on Thursday.

Despite inflation risks, the monetary policy committee keeps rates on hold

Inflation rose well beyond the Reserve Bank’s midpoint target in August

The US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee has broken its 14-month policy pause with a significant 50 basis point cut to the federal funds rate. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

If the inflation-driving supply strain in the US lasts, it could put South Africa in a chokehold

In South Africa, a strong trade surplus, buoyed by robust commodity prices, will cushion our economy against pressure arising from US policy

Stats SA noted in its GDP release that there was increased production reported for platinum group metals, which have experienced a massive uptick in demand amid the commodity cycle. (Oupa Nkosi/M&G)

GDP stats: Economy grows, but not enough to secure jobs and long-term recovery

GDP rose 1.2% in the second quarter, but future growth indicators will likely be hit by July’s looting and unrest, as well as a dip in commodity prices

No new coal: Unemployed men such as Bonginkosi Mhlanga scrape a living from abandoned mine shafts. Analysts warn that commodity prices, which have over the years sometimes papered over South Africa’s economic woes, will not keep the country going forever. (Emmanuel Croset/AFP)

Commodities ‘bail out’ South African economy, but chronic structural woes remain

The mining industry is riding a wave that will eventually crash, analysts warn

Struggles: Many South Africans sought relief from the Unemployment Insurance Fund at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Jobs are now increasing but not fast enough. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Economy’s signs of life mean little for the poor

GDP growth may be encouraging but it doesn’t mean much for SA’s millions of unemployed

Less is more: Malusi Gigaba has distanced himself from Chris Malikane’s comments

There’s more to a stronger rand than government will admit

The currency’s moves have been driven by global factors, but more ratings shifts can reverse gains.

No-fee tuition is possible if the wealthy pay more taxes and illicit transactions are stopped

Political turmoil in 2016 can be traced back to the 2008 financial crisis

South Africa’s economic challenges of 2016 are largely a reflection of its inability to change in the light of global shocks.

Still seeking justice: Miners gather at the historic Marikana koppie on the second anniversary of the massacre.

​Higher education not a commodity

In this submission to the Fees Commission, academics outline the implications of free higher education.

What the Trump? If he makes good on his promises

What the Trump? If he makes good on his promises, SA will be hurt

With every large market that closes, that product needs to find another home and some of that overflow will arrive in South Africa.