Chantal Marx of FNB has analysed South Africa's second-quarter GDP figures, which showed contractions in key sectors, and outlined factors that could support an economic recovery, including consumer spending, lower oil prices and improved business confidence. According to Moneyweb, she also discussed strong results from Super Group and WBHO, the JSE's positive performance led by energy stocks, and the rand holding below R16 to the dollar.

South Africa's economy contracted by 0.2% in the three months through June, ending a streak of growth, according to Statistics South Africa. The decline follows revised growth of 0.4% in the prior quarter. Moneyweb reports the downturn as the impact of the war in Iran takes a toll on the country's economic performance.

South Africa's economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter of 2026, according to IOL, as declines in the mining, manufacturing and trade sectors outweighed growth recorded in other industries. The figures indicate renewed weakness in key productive areas of the economy, with the slump in mining and manufacturing output proving the main drag on overall performance during the period, reversing gains made elsewhere across other sectors.

South Africa's private sector experienced marginal growth in June, despite a significant decline in business optimism, which has reached its lowest point in five years. This indicates a contrasting trend between economic activity and the sentiment of business leaders in the country.

South Africa's economy is expected to end its longest growth run in a decade, according to Moneyweb, as second-quarter data fully captures the fallout from the conflict in the Middle East. The anticipated slowdown marks a setback for the country after an extended period of economic expansion, with analysts attributing the weakness partly to the regional conflict's broader economic impact.

South African motorists are experiencing significant fuel price reductions that were implemented this week. Early forecasts indicate that there may be additional price relief expected in August, suggesting continued benefits for consumers at the fuel pumps.