News & Insights

The energy shock is moving into the real economy much faster than most desks anticipated. Three weeks into the US Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively impaired, and with Brent pushing past 112 dollars, we are no longer looking at a price spike but a structural bottleneck. While the strip implies an eventual return toward 80 dollars by late 2027, shipping confidence takes far longer to rebuild than a ceasefire takes to sign. Our house view is that Brent remains a

The recent repricing in oil markets has renewed concerns about a potential inflation spillover into Namibia. Our assessment is that the interpretation should remain disciplined. While oil prices have moved higher in response to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, market signals do not yet point to a structurally higher global energy price regime. Historically, Namibia’s inflation has shown sensitivity to large moves in global energy prices, although the transmission is

Brent crude moved back above $100 per barrel, briefly touching $114, after direct strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and the effective disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the corridor through which roughly 20% of global oil supply normally flows. At the same time LNG production in Qatar has been halted following attacks on Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, removing a meaningful portion of global gas supply from the market. This is not simply a geopolitical risk

Namibian Fuel Prices

The rand has strengthened through R16 to the US dollar for the first time since June 2022. After appreciating by around 14 percent in 2025, it is already more than 3 percent stronger again in 2026.

The MSCI Emerging Markets Index has pushed to fresh highs, rising around 0.7% on the latest session and extending its advance to a fourth consecutive week.

The rand continues to hold firm against major currencies, supported by a stabilising global backdrop and improving local sentiment. Since late July, EUR/ZAR has moved from around 21.1 to 20.0, and USD/ZAR from 18.3 to 17.2 — a gain of roughly 5–6 percent for the rand. The global policy story is key. The Federal Reserve delivered two rate cuts in September and October, lowering the effective funds rate from 4.33% to 3.87%, and is now expected to pause through early 2026. Marke

China’s post-Covid recovery has fallen short of expectations, with economic performance consistently lagging behind forecasts. This has led to mounting global expectations for bold action from Beijing. But what’s behind this slowdown, and which steps should policymakers consider to bring growth back on track?

In a world filled with financial uncertainties, the pursuit of financial freedom has never been more crucial. We all aspire to live a life unburdened by financial worries, one where our choices are not limited by our bank account balances.

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes we find ourselves in situations that demand quick and effective solutions. Short-term insurance emerges as a valuable ally in such times, offering the protection needed without a long-term commitment.