Bad news for anyone with DStv, and one South African private school ranked top in the world in two international indexes
The rand remained stable in early trading on Wednesday as markets awaited the US producer inflation figures for insights into the Federal Reserve’s interest rate trajectory.
The rand was trading at 16.3850 against the US dollar, showing little change from its previous close.
ETM Analytics mentioned in a research note, that the rand’s resilience stems more from broad dollar weakness than from improving domestic fundamentals.
South Africa’s economy experienced its first decline in mining output in six months, with production dropping by 5.4% in May compared to the same month last year, following an 8% increase in April.
The domestic economic calendar is relatively light for the rest of the week, which means the risk-sensitive rand will likely be influenced more by external factors, such as US policy and data releases.
Attention is now turning to the Producer Price Index (PPI), which is set to be released later in the day.
Traders currently see about a 58% chance of a rate hike at the Fed’s September meeting, down from 76% prior to the CPI report, while an 80% chance of a rate hike in December is still being priced in, according to data from the CME FedWatch Tool.
South Africa’s benchmark government bond maturing in 2035 weakened in early trading, with the yield rising by 2.5 basis points to 8.425%.
On Thursday, 16 July 2026, the rand was trading at R16.33 to the dollar, R22.11 to the pound, and R18.73 to the euro. Gold is trading at $4,030.18 an ounce, while oil prices were at $84.46 a barrel.
5 important things happening today
Bad news for anyone with DStv: Pricing for DStv’s three most expensive packages, Premium, Compact Plus, and Compact, has increased by between 29% and 44% over the past 10 years. [MyBroadband]
South African private school ranked top in the world in two international indexes: There is only one private school listed among the best in the world in both the Schools Index by Carfax Education and the Spear’s Schools Index, Michaelhouse. [Newsday]
Ramaphosa halts the Impeachment Committee: Ramaphosa’s court application to halt the Impeachment Committee began on Wednesday and continues on Thursday at the Western Cape High Court. He claims he is not avoiding accountability but is seeking a postponement to address a legal issue. [eNCA]
South African company loses R75 billion in 6 months: Sibanye Stillwater’s share price fell 43% in early 2026 to about 3,422 ZAC, leading to a R74.86 billion loss in market capitalisation, now valued at R97.29 billion. [Daily Investor]
New rules coming for foreigners buying property: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is updating its Balance of Payments codes, which are set to bring major administrative changes for foreign buyers purchasing property in South Africa. [BusinessTech]
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