Dr Roelof Botha

July started on a positive note, with Brent crude oil averaging around $75 per barrel during the first ten days of the month. As has become customary since hostilities flared up at the end of February, the temporary pause in military strikes in the Middle East did not last long, with oil prices rising to $87 per barrel on 23 July.

No sooner had the price of crude oil dropped to below $70 per barrel than Iran started to attack commercial ships via drones, threatening the fragile memorandum of understanding with the US and sending Brent crude back to $77 per barrel.

With the Middle East having provided a paradoxical meaning to the word "ceasefire" and the world's second most important maritime shipping route for oil and fuel remaining at under 10% of its normal operations, it is not surprising that the oil price continues to act like a yo-yo in a range above $80 per barrel.

During the last week of April and into the first week of May, the price of oil remained above $100 per barrel, providing ample evidence of the continued impasse between the US and Iran. Global energy prices remain hostage to very high levels due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to fears of higher inflation worldwide.

The war in the Middle East is exacting a heavy toll on all of the world’s key currencies, whilst also threatening to lead to higher inflation and, potentially, higher interest rates. Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts are impacting markets worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and make smart decisions.

On Balance with Dr. Botha as he shares his monthly thoughts on what’s driving the South Africa’s economy. Geopolitical tensions and economic shifts are impacting markets worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and make smart decisions.