Events that moved the market Q2 2019

Moody's releases a statement, saying that SA's economic situation is in line with other Baa3 countries. Should growth stagnate and SOEs not be turned around, SA will be downgraded.

The IMF cuts its outlook for global growth to the lowest since the financial crisis, forecasting that the world economy will grow 3.3% this year, down from its 3.5% forecast in January.

The blueprint after six hours of talks in Brussels allows the UK to stay in the bloc until 31 October 2019.

CPI increases to 4.5% in March from 4.1% in February, mainly due to the increase in fuel prices.

US GDP expands at a 3.2% annualised rate, exceeding the forecast average of 2.3%.

Japanese industrial production falls at its fastest pace in almost four years, while retail sales pick up the pace.

US hiring tops forecasts in April as the jobless rate dips to a fresh 49-year low and wage gains are slightly cooler than projected, suggesting the still-healthy labour market can continue to support growth without fueling inflation.

Global equities tumble and Treasury futures climb after President Trump again threatens to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. The yuan slumps alongside crude oil.

Turkey’s lira falls 1.3% after the Turkish election board announces Istanbul’s mayoral elections will be re-run. The election result showed a narrow victory for the opposition party.

The IEC declares the 2019 SA elections free and fair and the rand strengthens on the outcome: The ANC gains the national victory with a 57.51% majority vote. It also takes all provinces, except the Western Cape, where the DA stays in control.

SA's unemployment rate increases to 27.6% in the first quarter of 2019.

The Trump administration blacklists Huawei, accusing the company of aiding Beijing in espionage.

The SA Reserve Bank keeps interest rates unchanged at 6.75%, as expected, with prime at 10.25%.

SA's economy shrinks by 3.2% in the first quarter of 2019, the biggest contraction in a decade. Some of the reasons are weak consumer demand, load shedding and recurring falls in mining production.

Tongaat asks that its listings be suspended because of accounting irregularities. More than 5 000 employees receive retrenchment notices.

Steinhoff posts a loss of €1.19bn (more than R19 billion) for the year ended September 2018.

Facebook announces a digital currency, Libra, that will allow its users to make financial transactions across the globe. US lawmakers raise privacy concerns.

Annual consumer inflation is 4.5% in May 2019, slightly up from the 4.4% recorded for April. The inflation rate has remained below the 6% monetary policy ceiling since April 2017. During this time inflation has averaged 4.7%.

Trump signs an executive order for additional sanctions against Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Foreign minister Javad Zarif, and eight Revolutionary Guard commanders.

MultiChoice, formerly part of Naspers, announces that up to 2194 employees may lose their jobs in a restructuring of its customer service model.

US President Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping reach an agreement at the G20 summit in Japan to continue trade talks.