The Rand has remained stable over the past week, trading at R17.67 against the US dollar. Our inflation rate has dropped below 4% for the first time in three years, coming in at 3.8% in September. This makes the possibility of a further interest rate cut in November more likely. However, there is some speculation that the US may not be as aggressive in cutting rates, which could affect our rates early next year.

The latest Brent crude oil price fell by 4% on Monday, with the current price at $72.87 per barrel. Oil prices remain highly volatile due to lower demand from China and geopolitical conflict in the Middle East causing uncertainty around supply. Markets are now looking at how OPEC will adjust supply and what will happen with the US elections.