Gold Price Rebounds as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Minutes Keep Markets on Edge 
Gold Prices Set for Weekly Loss as Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Outlook Weigh 
Oil Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Conflict Fuels Strait of Hormuz Supply Fears 
Japan Wholesale Inflation Jumps as Energy Shock Drives Import Costs Higher 
Japanese Yen Rises as Pension Fund Plan and BOJ Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Dollar 
Oil Prices Slip but Stay on Track for Weekly Gains as U.S.-Iran Conflict Persists 
Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Climbs to 3,811 as Government Seeks Sanctions Relief 
Wall Street Rises as SK Hynix’s Record Nasdaq Debut Steals Spotlight Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Oil and LNG Tankers Turn Back as Strait of Hormuz Security Risks Escalate 
Dollar Slips After Fed Minutes as Iran Tensions, Inflation Risks Keep Markets Cautious 
Asian Stocks Slip as Iran Tensions, Samsung Weakness and Fed Caution Weigh on Markets 
South Africa has been downgraded to junk status by Standard & Poor’s following last week's Cabinet reshuffle which saw Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan axed. S&P on Monday cited political uncertainty as one of the reasons for the downgrade.
Ratings agency Moody's has placed South Africa on review for a downgrade, said it is assessing the economic impact of the changes to leadership in key government institutions and it is expected to announce its rating on Friday. A third ratings agency, Fitch is yet to announce its decision.
South Africa’s banking index fell to the lowest in six months after S&P's downgrade. Short-term volatility in bank stocks is likely to continue. The rating cut increases the likelihood that lenders will have to battle declining returns and rising bad debts in the year ahead.
Zuma’s decision to boot his finance minister and load his cabinet with loyalists has drawn public criticism. A wider group of ANC leaders will meet Tuesday to discuss the cabinet reshuffle, while opposition parties are pushing for a vote of no-confidence in parliament.
