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Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
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Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
South Africa's Inflation Overview
South Africa's headline consumer inflation decreased to 3.8% year-on-year in September, down from 4.4% in August, as reported by the national statistics agency on Wednesday. This decline exceeded economists' expectations, with forecasts predicting a drop to 3.9%.
Month-on-Month Inflation Rates
In month-on-month terms, inflation remained steady at 0.1% in September, mirroring the previous month's performance. The current inflation rate sits significantly below the 4.5% target set by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).
Potential for Interest Rate Cuts
This latest inflation reading may bolster the SARB's case for an additional interest rate cut during its upcoming monetary policy meeting in November. The SARB had already implemented its first rate cut in over four years last month, suggesting a shift in its monetary policy stance. At the September meeting, the SARB acknowledged the faster-than-expected inflation decline but maintained a cautious outlook due to ongoing risks.
Conclusion
With inflation now at a lower level than anticipated, market analysts will closely watch the SARB’s upcoming decisions, as further cuts could influence South Africa's economic landscape positively.
