Gold
Gold is a precious metal and globally traded commodity that serves as both an industrial input and a store of value. It is prized for its rarity, durability, malleability and resistance to corrosion, making it essential in jewellery, electronics, dentistry and aerospace applications. Gold is measured in troy ounces and traded on major exchanges including the London Bullion Market and Comex in New York, with prices quoted in US dollars. South Africa has historically been one of the world's largest gold producers, with the Witwatersrand Basin yielding significant output since the late nineteenth century, though production has declined in recent decades as mines have deepened and ore grades have fallen. Other major producing countries include China, Australia, Russia and the United States. Central banks hold gold as part of their foreign exchange reserves, and investors buy it as a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation and geopolitical uncertainty. The metal is also minted into bullion coins such as the South African Krugerrand, the Canadian Maple Leaf and the American Eagle. Gold's price is influenced by interest rates, the strength of the US dollar, jewellery demand in Asia and safe-haven buying during periods of market volatility. Mining companies range from large diversified groups to junior explorers, and the sector is capital-intensive with long lead times from discovery to production. Gold remains a cornerstone of the global financial system and a key export earner for several African economies.
Gold Updates
Political settlements and the just transition
By: Saliem Fakir 19th June 2026 Political settlements theory helps us understand the drivers of systemic change, holding that the ambition of elites who control a country’s... →
South Africa must continue to pursue reform programme to maintain stability – BLSA
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 1st June 2026 The decision by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) last week to hike interest rates by 25 basis points in response to rising global inflation is... →
Krugerrands and taxes: The critical record-keeping risk many investors overlook
28th May 2026 As renewed interest in gold continues amid global market and economic uncertainty, Krugerrands remain a popular investment choice among South... →
Africa fails to fund big projects despite surge in local capital, report says
By: Reuters 23rd April 2026 Capital held by Africa's institutions rose by 25% last year in part because of record gold prices, and yet the continent is struggling to finance... →
Out with the Old: South Africa’s Proposed Overhaul of Exchange Controls and the Inclusion of Crypto Assets
22nd April 2026 On 17 April 2026, in Government Notice No. 54520 under Government Gazette 7375, the Minister of Finance (“Minister“) published the draft Capital... →
Kenya requests World Bank funds to cushion Iran war shocks
By: Reuters 17th April 2026 Kenya has requested rapid financial support from the World Bank to help it manage the economic shocks triggered by the Iran war, its central bank... →
South African rand firms as Middle East peace hopes lift sentiment
By: Reuters 16th April 2026 The South African rand strengthened in early Thursday trade, supported by a weaker US dollar and rising investor optimism that the war in the... →
China's gold market importance probably growing, says precious metals analyst 
By: Martin Creamer 14th April 2026 China is probably growing in importance to the gold market the same way it is growing in importance to the global economy. By contrast, the... →
South African rand firms as weaker dollar and softer oil ease pressure
By: Reuters 14th April 2026 The South African rand edged up in early Tuesday trade on a weaker dollar as oil prices dipped back below $100 a barrel and on signs of potential... →
South African markets rally as US-Iran ceasefire boosts risk appetite
By: Reuters 8th April 2026 South Africa's rand, government bonds and stocks surged on Wednesday, paring some of the losses amassed since the start of the Iran war after US... →
