South African Stock Index Faces Worst Month Since 2008 Amid Global Turmoil

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in Johannesburg, South Africa..

• The FTSE/JSE All Share Index is down 14% in March, on track for its worst monthly decline since September 2008.
• The index had previously recorded 12 consecutive monthly gains, the longest streak in its history.
• The decline is attributed to the Iran war reducing demand for emerging-market assets and falling precious-metal prices.
• South Africa’s mining sector is heavily impacted by the drop in precious-metal prices.
• The downturn could affect corporate earnings and consumer sentiment in South Africa.
• Investors are shifting to safer assets amid geopolitical tensions and market volatility.