Investment Market Update
SEPTEMBER 2024
What developments have unfolded in local and global markets throughout the month of September?
R17.1
The rand’s monthly low against the dollar
R21.4
Petrol reaches its lowest in over a year
21%
China’s CSI 300 return for September
EMERGING MARKETS VS THE RAND
US DOLLAR VS THE RAND
EMERGING MARKET EXCHANGE RATE VS USD
GLOBAL MARKET
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In September, several central banks lowered interest rates as expected, signaling a global shift in monetary policy for varying reasons. The US Federal Reserve surprised markets by cutting rates by 0.5% instead of the anticipated 0.25%.
This decision was driven by progress on inflation control and employment goals, bringing the target range to 4.75% to 5.0%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that inflation is nearing the 2% target, and the labor market has become less tight, shifting the Fed’s focus towards supporting maximum employment. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank also reduced its deposit rate by 25 basis points to 3.50%, as inflation slows and the eurozone economy struggles, signaling further potential cuts.
Despite market jitters early in the month due to concerns over rate cuts arriving too late, US markets rallied after the Fed’s unexpected 50 basis point cut. China’s $114 billion stimulus package further boosted global market sentiment, pushing Chinese equities into a bull market with their biggest one-day gain since 2008. Overall, September was a challenging yet optimistic month for global investors.
A sustained, strong country-specific factor, combined with a gradual weakening of the US dollar spot index, is pushing the USDZAR exchange rate to stronger levels. Notably, on 25 May last year, the exchange rate stood at R19.80 and currently reach R17.1 against the dollar.
ANALYTICS SEPTEMBER COMMENTARY:
SMARTIE BOX IN RANDS:
LOCAL MARKETS
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South African asset classes benefited significantly from global macroeconomic trends in September. A rally in China’s equity markets, driven by a government stimulus package, lifted local markets, particularly in resources and industrials.
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) also cut interest rates by 0.25%, which supported bonds, and the Rand strengthened against major currencies as the SARB’s rate cut was smaller than the US Federal Reserve’s.
Positive local developments further boosted sentiment. Inflation eased for the third consecutive month, falling to just below 4.5%, and South Africa marked 188 days without loadshedding. The SARB lowered its lending rate to 8.0%, its first cut in over four years, while maintaining a cautious outlook on inflation risks. The rate cut, along with China’s policy support, improved domestic sentiment and led to a strong performance in South African equities, with the Retail and Industrial sectors leading the way. Heavyweights like BHP Group, Prosus, and Naspers posted impressive gains. However, Sasol and Aspen lagged.
South African bonds saw their sixth consecutive positive month, supported by the stronger Rand and increased foreign buying. The Rand appreciated nearly 6% against the US dollar and 5% against the euro for the year. Meanwhile, gold reached a new high, ending September almost 28% higher since January, while oil prices dropped by 8.9% during the month.
- The JSE All Share Index soared higher (up 4.0%) closing out an already successful quarter on a high note.
- The local bourse was supported by all three major sectors, as Financials (up 2.5%), Industrials (up 5.2%) and Resources (up 3.9%) all gained ground.
- Small-caps (up 4.0%), Mid-caps (up 5.1%), and Large-caps (up 3.7%) all advanced to higher levels.
- The S&P SA REIT sector (up 5.5%) and the SA Listed Property sector (up 5.0%) continued to perform well and closed out the quarter as the best performing local asset classes.
- SA Nominal Bonds (up 3.9%) saw large gains after the SARB cut interest rates, and Inflation Linked Bonds (up 0.9%) inched higher as inflation slowed.
- Developed Market Equities were left in the dust by their Emerging Market peers in US Dollar terms, with the MSCI World Index up only 1.9% as the MSCI Emerging Market Index recorded massive gains, adding 6.7%.
- The Rand had another strong month, despite local rate cuts. Relative to the US Dollar (Rand appreciated 2.9%), the Euro (Rand appreciated 2.1%) and the Pound Sterling (Rand appreciated 0.9%).
- Commodities were mostly positive in September. Gold (up 5.7%) and Platinum (up 5.5%) rallied hard, as Brent Crude (down 8.9%) dropped sharply.
MONTHLY RETURNS:
