Finance News Update | 17 Apr 2026

General Headlines Financial giant worth R36 billion sends crisis message to South Africa PSG Financial Services says South Africa must focus on long-term growth instead of just reacting to short-term crises. In its 2026 financial results, the company warned about global political instability, weak local progress, and markets ignoring economic risks. It highlighted challenges such as high debt in developed countries, rising populism, disruptive technologies, trade competition, and military tensions in the Gulf. On the positive side, PSG praised the South African Reserve Bank and National Treasury for lowering inflation and managing debt. Higher commodity prices also helped, but government reforms have been slow, and management quality remains uneven. As a result, South Africa has seen little improvement in key economic indicators. The company stressed that policies often lack proper socioeconomic studies, making it hard to achieve lasting growth and jobs. PSG concluded that South Africa urgently needs an integrated economic plan that looks beyond crisis management.(BusinessTech) Markets and Investments South African rand firms as Middle East peace hopes lift sentiment The South African rand gained slightly on Thursday morning, helped by a weaker US dollar and optimism that the Middle East war may be ending. At 06:11 GMT, it traded at 16.3350 per dollar, up 0.3% from its last close. The dollar fell to a six‑week low, making commodities cheaper for other currencies. Gold prices rose, supported by hopes of peace after mediation efforts and signals from the Trump administration about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.However, the Minerals Council of South Africa warned that the war is driving up mining costs. Fuel bills for miners, usually around R2.9 billion a month, are expected to jump to R4.3 billion in April and stay high while disruptions continue. Meanwhile, South Africa’s 2035 government bond yield held steady at 8.405% in early trade.(EngineeringNews)

Investors commit R105-billion-plus to Northern Cape development South Africa’s Northern Cape province has secured over R105 billion in new investment pledges across mining, energy, and agriculture, expected to create nearly 19,800 jobs. These commitments were made at the first Northern Cape Investment and Jobs Conference in Kimberley, attended by more than 900 government officials, business leaders, and investors.Premier Dr Zamani Saul said the pledges will help the province move closer to its goal of growing GDP from R164 billion to R200 billion and creating at least 60,000 sustainable jobs by 2030. He assured investors that their commitments are valued and will not be taken for granted.(EngineeringNews) Rebound in South African bonds pays off for Van Eck Van Eck Associates Corp, a US investment firm managing $225 billion, made big gains by buying South African government bonds during the record selloff linked to the Iran war. Initially, they held no bonds because prices were high, but on March 16 they started buying after yields spiked more than 100 basis points due to rising oil prices and inflation fears. The firm believed these concerns would fade once the war ended and that South Africa’s recovery would continue.Their bet paid off: since March 16, South African bonds have returned 6.3% in dollar terms, triple the emerging-market average of 2.3%, and among the best performers globally. Foreign investors had sold R56 billion worth of bonds in March, but inflows of R13.5 billion have returned since April. Van Eck focused on long-term bonds maturing in 2037, 2040, and 2044, which have all outperformed since the rally began.(MoneyWeb)

Property and Real Estates Growthpoint launches Phase 2 at 7 Chain Avenue in Montague Gardens Growthpoint Properties is moving into Phase 2 of its redevelopment at 7 Chain Avenue, Montague Gardens, after completing Phase 1 in early 2024. The site, opposite Indlovu Logistics Park, is being redesigned to provide modern, flexible warehouse space for logistics, distribution, and light industry. Previously, the area had 10,906 m² of outdated C-grade warehouses with poor layouts and limited yard space. Phase 1 upgraded 6,843 m² into modern A-grade facilities. Phase 2, costing R135 million, will add two new A-grade warehouses totalling 10,674 m², featuring better yard layouts, high stacking heights, and food-grade flooring. Construction starts in April 2026 and is set to finish by November 2026. (PropertyWheel)