S&P 500 — US Large Cap Index
FTSE 100 — UK Blue Chips
Euro Stoxx 50 — Eurozone Leaders
DAX 40 — German Equities
CAC 40 — French Market Index
Nikkei 225 — Japan Benchmark
Hang Seng — Hong Kong Index
Shanghai Composite — China Mainland
ASX 200 — Australian Market
TSX Composite — Canada Index
Nifty 50 — India Large Cap
STI Index — Singapore Market
KOSPI — South Korea Index
Bovespa — Brazil Equities
JSE Top 40 — South Africa Index
IPC Index — Mexico MarketSouth Africa’s 10-year bond yield rose to around 8.33%, after touching an over one-month low of 8.19% on April 17, as fresh hostilities in Middle East pushed oil prices sharply higher, amplifying inflation concerns. Iran reimposed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation in tensions over the weekend, with US forces later hitting an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade. Meanwhile, South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor Lesetja Kganyago told Reuters that volatility stemming from the ongoing conflict and its impact on inflation has complicated the outlook for near-term rate cuts. With inflation near the lower end of the SARB’s target range, policymakers are assessing whether recent price stability will persist or be reversed by external shocks in the months ahead. Economists broadly expect rates to remain on hold through 2026, with no cuts anticipated, though the possibility of rate hikes remains open.
