When Commodity Optimism Collides with Manufacturing Reality in South Africa

When Commodity Optimism Collides with Manufacturing Reality in South Africa

South Africa entered 2026 with renewed confidence in the commodity cycle. Stronger platinum and gold prices, together with rising global demand for future-facing metals such as copper, have lifted sentiment across the sector and reinforced the country’s long-standing connection to mining and resource development. For many businesses further down the value chain, however, the mood…

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Microsoft faces double downgrade as AI optimism cools

Microsoft faces double downgrade as AI optimism cools

Wall Street’s sentiment toward Microsoft is shifting as analysts express growing concern over the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. In less than a week, the tech giant has been downgraded twice, with Melius Research moving the stock from Hold from Buy on Monday. Read: Pony AI and Toyota launch mass production of driverless bZ4X robotaxis…

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Bitcoin hits fresh record amid investor optimism

Bitcoin hits fresh record amid investor optimism

Bitcoin hit a record high on Thursday as increasing expectations for easier monetary policy from the US Federal Reserve added to tailwinds from recently announced financial reforms. The world’s largest crypto-asset by market capitalisation climbed as much as 0.9% to US$124 002.49 in early Asia trading, surpassing its previous peak hit in July. On the day,…

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