South African financial markets ended strong in reaction to US non-farm payrolls

THE All Share index on the JSE, as well as the Rand on Friday ended stronger in reaction to the release of the US non-Farm payrolls.

- CHRIS HARMSE

The All Share index recovered by 0.9% on Friday and ended the week flat with a mere 300 points lower on 101532. The index, however, is still 20.7% up for the year.

The US announced that the economy could only create 22 000 new jobs during August 2025. This is much lower than the expected increase of 72 000. The unemployment rate for the US increased from 4.2% to 4.3% as was expected.

Especially since April 2025, after the first comprehensive tariff announcement by the Trump administration, consumers and producers started to discount negative consumer and business confidence due to expectations for higher inflation and lower economic activity.

Most businesses decided not to take changes by investing in new opportunities and employing more workers.