Commodities
latest news & developmentsMalawi’s gold plan faces a credibility test
Malawi's ambitious plan to curb gold smuggling through state-backed buying centres faces severe hurdles, including unverified loss estimates, overlapping institutional mandates,…
East Africa trade soars to $38bn in second quarter, narrowing deficit
The increase was largely driven by exports, which surged 40.5% to $18.6 billion, reflecting rising global demand
South Africa risks missing out on gold price surge due to structural challenges in mining sector
Prices have increased by over 30%, favouring gold-producing countries like South Africa, but structural issues are dampening opportunities This content is restricted to…
Poor weather disrupts global coffee supplies
Your morning cuppa may cost a little more because of heavy rainfall in Brazil and drought in Vietnam
Easter chocs may leave bitter taste
Chocolate products have become more expensive on the back of soaring cocoa prices, but there is not likely to be a shortage
This is how South Africa could unlock its agriculture growth potential
Unlocking the full growth potential over the long run will require policy interventions in agriculture and cross-cutting government departments
Ugandan budget: Striking a balance between infrastructure and social sectors is key
In coming years, Uganda’s GDP growth is set to accelerate as recent and ongoing public investments begin to yield returns
Commodities back from the dead
Finally, analysts are prepared to vouch that the worst is over but some warnings persist.
Commodities price revival boosts JSE all-share index
The well-diversified index has taken off as a result of a renewed interest in commodities.
Commodities on a slippery slope
Africa’s oil-producing and metal-rich giants face a difficult year in which growth will be hampered.
Steel sinks as China’s growth slows
Producers are taking a big hit and there is little chance of exporting the surplus.
Gold leads commodities plunge
The big sell-off of the metal is a symptom of the global price slumps – and the worst is yet to come.
Oil bonanza is not only good news
The fall in prices of commodities, which are South Africa’s lifeline, will offset lower fuel costs.
Commodity slump erodes revenue
Weaker demand for mineral products and labour unrest have been flagged as economic risk factors.
Gold up on news of US rating downgrade
Analysts have warned against too much optimism, saying investors turn to the metal when they are worried about the dollar.