Eskom calls for an 8.8% electricity price hike, and the Oura ring goes public

Local company results will continue next week, with Sun International, AVI, Old Mutual, Super Group, Hyprop Investments, Growthpoint Properties, WBHO, FirstRand, Sanlam and OUTsurance Group among the key releases.

Sun International expects 1H26 revenue growth of 6%, while AVI has guided for HEPS growth of 4% to 6%.

Old Mutual expects weaker adjusted HEPS due to lower shareholder investment returns, while Super Group expects continuing-operations HEPS growth of 33.6% to 40.9%.

Hyprop and Growthpoint continue to show improving South African property fundamentals, with lower vacancies and stronger tenant activity.

WBHO reports results with an R36.4 billion order book, while FirstRand faces further United Kingdom motor redress costs.

Sanlam expects 1H26 EPS to rise 24% to 34%, although HEPS is expected to decline 10% to 20%.

OUTsurance expects normalised earnings growth of 18% to 24%, supported by strong performance in South Africa’s property and casualty segment.

Foschini Group, Argent Industrial, Standard Bank Group, NEPI Rockcastle, DRDGOLD, Spur Corp, Sabvest Capital, Advtech, Italtile, Gold Fields and Grindrod will trade ex-dividend on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.

In the United States, the 2Q26 earnings season is nearing completion, with 88% of 492 S&P 500 companies beating earnings expectations and 69% exceeding revenue forecasts.

Adobe will report its 3Q26 results, with consensus expecting revenue of about $6.7 billion and adjusted EPS of $6.08.

The main economic focus will be South Africa’s 2Q26 GDP data on Tuesday, 8 September.

The figures will provide an important assessment of economic growth following the shocks caused by the Middle East conflict, including its effects on fuel prices, inflation and financial conditions.

Markets will be watching whether the slowdown proves temporary or signals weaker underlying economic momentum.

Important finance and investing news

The smart ring war heats up: With the smart ring market becoming more crowded, Oura officially filed to go public on September 3. [Yahoo Finance]

Calls for petrol price relief: COSATU is urging the government to restore fuel levy relief due to rising household pressures from soaring prices. Petrol has increased by over R1 per litre, and diesel by more than R3. Zanele Sabela noted that previous relief measures helped protect workers and the economy. [eNCA]

AI investors look to China: Investors seeking to diversify beyond crowded artificial intelligence trades in Japan and South Korea are increasingly turning to bullish derivatives linked to Chinese equities as China’s domestic technology initiative sparks renewed interest. [Bloomberg]

More electricity price pain for South Africa: Consumers may face another 8.8% electricity tariff increase starting in April if Eskom’s request is approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. This increase follows the third year of its multi-year price determination established in 2025. [SABC]

Another Fed hike on the cards: The strong jobs report on Friday supports the case for interest rate hikes in the United States, but President Donald Trump’s threat to halt trade with certain countries unless the Federal Reserve cuts rates complicates matters. [Reuters]