Trump says US and India agree trade deal
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington and India have agreed a trade deal that reduces tariffs on Indian goods, and India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil and boost purchases of US products valued at around $500 billion. The move follows months of tensions over tariffs and is expected to reshape bilateral trade relations.
Rand weakens ahead of data releases
The rand weakened slightly as markets awaited key local data on manufacturing and vehicle sales, reflecting investor caution over economic momentum. Analysts said traders were also weighing external pressures on the economy ahead of the scheduled releases.
ANC businessman seeks to block Madlanga Commission questioning
ANC businessman Suleiman Carrim has launched an urgent court bid to prevent the Madlanga Commission from questioning him over allegations he received R2.5 million linked to controversial tenders tied to accused tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Carrim’s legal challenge aims to block his subpoena as the high-profile inquiry into corruption and political interference continues.
Factory mood lifts in January
South Africa’s manufacturing sector improved sharply in January, with the Absa purchasing managers’ index up to 48.7, signalling a continued rebound in business conditions following late-2025 weakness. The headline index remains below growth territory, but the business-activity sub-index climbed above the neutral mark, pointing to a possible recovery in output.
Rafah border crossing reopens for limited movement
Israel has agreed to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt on a limited basis, allowing small numbers of Palestinians to cross on foot, including medical evacuees under a ceasefire plan. The reopening marks the first sustained movement through the crossing in nearly two years and is seen as a symbolic step in broader efforts to ease humanitarian restrictions.