Boxer shares its winning strategy, and Shein’s missing $8 billion
South African investors face a relatively quiet week ahead, with fewer local earnings releases but several major companies due to report results.
Standard Bank is among the key local companies reporting its first-half 2026 results this week. The bank recently reported resilient performance in the first five months of 2026.
Despite geopolitical tensions, elevated energy prices, and trade uncertainty, growth remained broad-based across its divisions.
This was supported by strong investment banking activity, higher business lending and increased client activity in its personal and private banking businesses.
Market expectations are for Standard Bank’s revenue to rise 0.3% to around R95.07 billion, while adjusted earnings per share are expected to increase 9.35% to R15.76.
Resilient REIT is also expected to report, following a strong first-half trading update. The group reported low vacancies of 1.9%, rental growth of 3.2% and South African retail sales growth of 3.3%.
Its international portfolios also remained resilient, with retail sales in Spain and France increasing during the period. Management has reaffirmed its guidance for the distribution growth of at least 9% for the 2026 financial year.
Fintech company Optasia will also release its first-half results after reporting strong revenue and earnings growth in its pre-close update.
The company expects revenue and adjusted EBITDA to grow by more than 30% in 2026, although net income growth expectations were reduced following the suspension of its Airtime Credit Solutions services in Nigeria.
On the corporate-action front, Tuesday, 11 August, will be the last day to trade several shares, including Adcorp, Omnia and Master Drilling, to qualify for their latest dividend payments.
Several shareholder meetings are also scheduled, including an extraordinary general meeting at Reinet Investments and AGMs at Reinet, South Ocean and Acsion.
In the United States, the earnings calendar is relatively light, although investors will watch results from Super Micro Computer, Cisco Systems and Applied Materials.
So far, 439 S&P 500 companies have reported results, with 87% beating earnings expectations and 69% exceeding revenue forecasts.
In Europe, investors will focus on Hannover Rück’s second-quarter results, with the reinsurance group expected to benefit from the absence of major catastrophe events despite softer pricing conditions.
In Asia, Tencent Holdings will be reporting. This presentation is highly anticipated, as the company is increasing investment in artificial intelligence.
BYD will also be reporting. The company is expected to benefit from strong international vehicle sales and an improved product mix.
Beyond company results, oil markets will also be a key focus for investors. Brent crude continues to balance heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East against expectations for global oil supply.
The Strait of Hormuz remains significantly disrupted, creating the potential for sharp price moves given its importance to global energy trade.
However, Brent has remained more contained than initially expected despite the geopolitical risks, suggesting that markets are weighing the threat of further disruption against expectations for adequate supply.
This balance between geopolitical risk and supply expectations is likely to remain a major driver of oil prices and global markets in the week ahead.
Important finance and investing news
How Boxer is beating its competition: Discount retailer Boxer has stated that partnerships are becoming a crucial component of its growth strategy. As retailers seek ways to attract and retain customers in the highly competitive grocery market, they are looking beyond mere price cuts. Boxer’s partnership with FNB is part of a broader strategy to enhance its value proposition while introducing additional services in its stores. [BusinessDay]
Shein’s missing billions: Bloomberg Intelligence estimated Shein at $22 billion to $25 billion, well below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company is reportedly seeking for its IPO. Its valuation has fallen sharply as growth slows and the company faces tariffs, shipping and regulatory pressures. [Bloomberg]
South African drugmakers send a warning: South Africa’s pharmaceuticals industry has warned that rising costs and regulated prices are jeopardising some products. The industry said manufacturers are being squeezed between increasing production costs and prices that do not keep up with inflation. [eNCA]
Adnoc Gas to invest $8 billion: The United Arab Emirates’ Adnoc Gas announced that it will invest over $8 billion to expand its production capacity. This decision comes just months after the country withdrew from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. This exit allowed Abu Dhabi, an emirate within the UAE, to operate without the cartel’s quota restrictions. [Wall Street Journal]
Pressure ahead for US stocks: US stocks are heading into a key week after a strong technology-led rally pushed the S&P 500 to record highs. Investors will focus on Wednesday’s inflation data, as a higher-than-expected reading could increase pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates and weigh on stocks. [Reuters]
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