By Ukumbi Afrika 
Tuesday, 11th August 2026
Johannesburg—South African markets will take direction on Tuesday from domestic economic data, a government bond auction, corporate earnings and developments in global markets, particularly oil, gold and U.S. interest-rate expectations.
Economic Data
Investors will monitor the release of second-quarter employment figures, which could provide fresh insight into labour-market conditions and the strength of South Africa's economy.
Manufacturing data is also due, offering further clues on industrial activity and business conditions.
The South African government is scheduled to hold a bond auction, with investor demand likely to provide an indication of sentiment toward the country's fixed-income market.
Companies
Merafe Resources is scheduled to release its half-year results. Investors will assess the company's earnings performance and outlook amid developments in the commodities sector.
Global Markets
Oil prices rose on Tuesday as negotiations between the United States and Iran over a potential peace deal and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reached an impasse.
Asian shares drifted as investors remained uncertain about the global inflation outlook.
Developments around the Strait of Hormuz remain particularly important for markets because prolonged disruption could affect energy supplies and keep oil prices elevated, potentially adding to inflationary pressures.
Wall Street
The Nasdaq and S& P 500 closed lower on Monday, pressured by declines in Intel and other chipmakers.
Investor confidence was also affected by uncertainty surrounding efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, keeping attention focused on energy prices and their potential impact on inflation and interest rates.
Gold
Gold rose for a third consecutive session on Tuesday, reaching its highest level in more than two months.
Investors are looking ahead to upcoming U.S. inflation data for clues about the direction of U.S. interest rates.
A softer inflation reading could strengthen expectations for interest-rate cuts, potentially supporting demand for gold, while persistent inflation could keep rates higher for longer.
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South African investors will be balancing domestic economic data and corporate results against global factors, particularly oil prices, U.S. inflation expectations, gold prices and developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Higher oil prices could increase inflationary pressure in South Africa and complicate the outlook for interest rates, while stronger gold prices could provide support for the country's mining sector and export earnings.
Source: Reuters
Writer: Anathi Madubela