Weekly Review

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Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab

Weekly Review

The BER Weekly Review provides in-depth, data-driven insights into the South African and global economies. Alongside the latest statistics, we cover key financial market developments and explain what matters - from monetary policy decisions to broader policy shifts and economic drivers. Each issue also looks ahead to the coming week, highlighting events and data releases that are likely to shape the economic and market outlook. From 2026, the Review includes a concise South African political update. It is available to Premium Insights and Essential Insights subscribers.

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Strait disruptions persist despite hopes for a deal, while Johannesburg’s fiscus strains

Date Uploaded: May 22 2026 08:30


Financial markets ended the week somewhat calmer as hopes of a renewed US-Iran deal gained momentum, even as global bond markets continued to signal concern about persistent inflation and structurally higher interest rates. We assess the implications of renewed diplomatic activity involving the US, China and Russia, alongside tightening oil market conditions and rising pressure on central banks. Locally, attention shifted increasingly toward Johannesburg’s deteriorating financial position, mounting Eskom arrears and the growing link between municipal fiscal stress and broader sovereign risk perceptions.