Finance News Update | 13 July 2026

General Headlines South Africa economy nears ‘escape velocity,’ Standard Bank says South Africa’s economy is starting to grow again as the country fixes long-standing problems like poor infrastructure and weak governance. Standard Bank’s chief economist, Goolam Ballim, expects growth of 1.7% next year and 2% by 2028, slightly higher than the IMF’s forecast. He says stronger institutions and rule of law are key to sustaining this progress.President Cyril Ramaphosa set up the Madlanga Commission to investigate corruption in the justice system, though its final report has been delayed until after local elections. While corruption remains a concern, Ballim believes the probe could restore confidence and attract investment.Recent improvements in electricity supply, ports, and railways are already helping the economy, and nearly 70% of Ramaphosa’s planned reforms are on track. Ballim adds that South Africa’s growth benefits the wider region: every 1% rise in its GDP could lift southern Africa’s economy by 0.7%. (MoneyWeb) Markets and Investments Oil steadies at end of volatile week as US and Iran keep talking Oil prices steadied after a turbulent week marked by US–Iran tensions. Brent crude was around $76 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate below $72, following a sharp drop caused by fighting that slowed traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.Talks between Washington and Tehran are still ongoing, even as both sides exchanged strikes earlier in the week. While the truce’s status is unclear, neither country has returned to full-scale war, and parts of their interim deal remain in place.Hostilities have reduced ship traffic through Hormuz, with few large vessels seen passing. Traders are watching Saudi Arabia’s upcoming oil allocations and a report from the International Energy Agency for market direction.Analysts say the market views the situation as a strain on the ceasefire rather than its collapse, with continued diplomacy helping to calm fears.(MoneyWeb) Capitec sells business for R210 million Capitec Bank is selling its rental finance business, Capitec Rental Finance (CRF), to Sasfin Holdings for R201 million. At the same time, Capitec will provide CRF with a R1.6 billion credit facility to support its rental receivables.CRF, started in 2011, helps businesses finance assets. Capitec acquired it in 2019 through Mercantile Bank but now says rental finance doesn’t fit its main strategy. The bank believes Sasfin, which already runs rental finance through its Sunlyn division, is better suited to grow CRF.The deal will see CRF merged with Sunlyn, giving it stronger sector expertise. The sale price is R201 million (cash, with adjustments at closing), while the credit facility ensures CRF can continue funding its operations.(BusinessTech)

Property and Real Estates  Construction report,Civil engineering leads with R58.9bn growth between 2020 – 2024 In 2024, South Africa’s construction industry earned R605.6 billion, up 8.9% from 2020. The biggest growth came from civil engineering (+R58.9bn), building construction (+R33.6bn), and other building completions (+R24.1bn).Profits reached their highest margin in a decade at 4.8%, with site preparation (13.2%), equipment rental (8.6%), and painting/decorating (6.3%) leading the way.Employment rose to 539,056 workers in 2024, up from 479,071 in 2020. Most jobs were in building construction (25.8%), civil engineering (23.2%), and other completions (17%). Over 10 years, jobs grew in building and completions but fell in civil engineering. Employment peaked in 2017 at 592,125.(PropertyWheel)