Finance News Update | 09 Oct 2026


General Headlines IMF chief warns energy shock, growing debt and AI risks threaten global growth The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the global economy faces growing risks from high energy prices, record levels of government debt, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) investment. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva urged governments to take steps through fiscal and monetary policies to protect their economies from these challenges.According to the IMF, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have disrupted energy supplies, driving up oil and gas prices, while the AI boom is increasing demand and contributing to inflation. Although AI is creating opportunities, its benefits are not being shared equally, with many countries missing out on the economic gains. The IMF expects the largest economic slowdowns to occur in countries affected by conflict, such as Ukraine and some Gulf nations, where infrastructure damage and reduced energy exports have weakened growth. High oil prices are expected to remain a concern, especially as increased winter energy demand and restricted gas supplies continue to pressure global markets.The IMF also noted that rising energy costs are pushing up inflation, interest rates, and government borrowing costs worldwide. As a result, many countries are facing a more challenging economic environment and may need stronger policies to maintain stability and support growth. (EngineeringNews) Markets and Investments The world has nearly burned through its oil stockpile buffer, executives say Global oil supplies are becoming tighter as accessible oil stockpiles continue to decline, according to industry leaders. Oil reserves have been heavily used this year to help reduce pressure on global markets affected by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser warned that only a small portion of the roughly 6 billion barrels of commercial oil inventories remains readily available for use, making the market more vulnerable to shortages and price increases. More than 1 billion barrels have already been released from stockpiles since the Middle East crisis began. To help ease rising fuel costs, particularly diesel prices, the International Energy Agency (IEA) is preparing to release an additional 100 million barrels of oil and diesel. However, experts say oil inventories are reaching critical levels, with less than 10% of stored oil easily accessible. As global oil demand remains high at around 102 million barrels per day, limited available supplies could continue to keep energy prices elevated and increase pressure on the global economy. (EngineeringNews) New plan for interest rates in South Africa The initiative, which expanded in 2025 after a pilot phase, helps the SARB track important factors such as business demand, investment activity, operating costs, and wage pressures. This provides quicker and more detailed insights than traditional economic data, which is often released with delays. Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict, businesses have reported weaker economic activity and growing concerns about rising costs. Higher oil prices have increased fuel costs and contributed to inflation remaining above the SARB’s 3% target. Many companies are trying to absorb these higher costs, but there are concerns that they may eventually pass them on to consumers, leading to further inflation. The SARB uses this business feedback alongside other economic indicators to better understand how global events are affecting South Africa. Due to persistent inflation pressures, the central bank increased interest rates to 7.25% in September, and financial markets expect further rate hikes in the coming months. (BusinessTech) Property and Real Estates Property developers face growing delays in registering for VAT The Western Cape Property Development Forum (WCPDF) has raised concerns that property developers are finding it increasingly difficult to register new development companies for VAT before they begin generating income. This is creating challenges for developers who need to recover VAT on large upfront project costs. Property development projects typically require significant spending on land purchases, planning, approvals, infrastructure, and contractors long before any properties are sold. According to the WCPDF, VAT registration is important during this stage because it helps developers manage project costs and cash flow.While SARS allows property developers to apply for voluntary VAT registration before reaching the normal sales threshold, provided certain conditions are met, many developers report delays or difficulties in obtaining approval. The WCPDF argues that this does not align with how the property development industry operates, since expenses are incurred years before revenue is earned.The forum has called on SARS to address these challenges, noting that successful property developments create jobs, generate tax revenue, and increase municipal income through property rates. The concern is that VAT registration delays may make it harder for developers to fund projects efficiently and support economic growth. (PropertyWheel).



