Finance News Update | 09 March 2026
- Phophi K

- 3 days ago
- 2 min read

General Headlines
South African fruit exports face rising costs and route disruptions
South African fruit exporters are facing mounting pressure as regional conflict disrupts traditional shipping routes. Producers are exploring alternative export pathways to India and Middle Eastern markets via Saudi Arabia to maintain supply chains. However, these diversions may add approximately $4,000 (R67,189) in additional surcharges per shipment. Exporters of citrus, grapes, pome fruit, and stone fruit must also comply with new phytosanitary regulations, adding further complexity and cost to international trade. (News24)
Fuel price hikes loom for April
South African motorists may face significant fuel price increases in April, according to the latest data from the Central Energy Fund (CEF). Early March figures show a sharp under recovery in fuel prices, indicating that current retail prices are below the level required to cover import costs. Petrol is showing an under recovery of R2.40 per litre, while diesel prices are currently under recovering by approximately R4.50 per litre, suggesting a substantial adjustment could be on the way. (BusinessTech)
Unlocking value in informal housing through social finance
Social finance is gaining traction as a mechanism to unlock economic value in sectors that are often overlooked by traditional financial systems. South Africa’s informal housing market estimated to make up around 35% of the country’s rental market, presents a notable opportunity for impact driven investment. While the market offers strong social benefits, determining clear commercial returns can be challenging. According to insights from RMB, combining concessional funding with commercial capital has proven to be an effective model. The success of IndluLiving, which integrates financial returns with measurable social impact, highlights the potential of this blended finance approach. (BusinessTech)
Markets & Investments
Gold gains as investors seek safe-haven assets
Gold prices edged higher on Friday as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid growing uncertainty surrounding the escalating Middle East conflict. The metal rebounded from a more than 1% decline in the previous session, with spot gold rising 1% to $5,128.39 per ounce by early morning trading. Despite the rebound, gold remains around 3% lower for the week, potentially ending a four week rally. Concerns about persistent inflation driven by higher energy prices and diminishing expectations for interest rate cuts continue to shape market sentiment. A weaker US dollar also supported bullion prices by making gold more affordable for buyers using other currencies. (Business Day)
Property & Real Assets
Spear REIT joins major property indices
Spear REIT will soon be included in both the FTSE/JSE All Property Index and the SA REIT Index following the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s latest index review. The changes will take effect on 23 March 2026. The inclusion reflects Spear REIT’s continued growth, improved liquidity, and increasing significance within South Africa’s listed property market, particularly in the Western Cape. Dipula Properties and Octodec Investments were also confirmed as new entrants to the indices as part of the review. (BusinessTech)



