Breaking News Today- Monday 22 September 2025

Business News Today

Oil and Gold Prices Lift on Geopolitical Tensions

Brent crude oil futures rose to $67.1 per barrel on Monday after a three-day decline, while gold futures edged up to around $3,690 per ounce, close to record highs, amidst geopolitical tensions in Europe and the prospect of fresh EU sanctions against Russia. Reports over the weekend emerged of Russian airstrikes on western Ukraine near the border of Poland, as well as airspace violations in Estonia, and the entry of a Russian military plane in the neutral airspace over the Baltic Sea that have raised concerns. Meanwhile, the EU on Friday proposed its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on Russian LNG imports. 

Cyber Attack Causes Air-Flight Mayhem

Traveler’s at major European airports including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin faced significant delays this weekend following what Collins Aerospace identified as a “cyber- attack incident.” Collins Aerospace makes, the check-in technology used for passenger flight check-in processes. When such incidents happen, airlines are forced to revert to manual check-ins. According to data from Flightradar24, more than 130 Heathrow flights had been delayed by 20 minutes or more as of 11am on Sunday morning, with 13 flights canceled on Saturday.

Investment in China sees Decline

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China fell 12.7% year-on-year to CNY 506.58 billion (around $71 billion) in the first eight months of 2025, amid global economic uncertainty. By sector, the manufacturing industry attracted CNY 129.03 billion, while the services sector accounted for a larger share at CNY 336.16 billion. High-tech industries remained a bright spot, drawing CNY 148.28 billion in actual foreign investment. Within that segment, e-commerce services surged by 169.2%, aerospace and equipment manufacturing rose by 37.5%, chemical & pharmaceutical manufacturing grew by 23.2%, and medical equipment & device manufacturing increased by 19.2%. During the period, investment from Japan jumped by 58.9%, while investments from Switzerland and the UK soared by 37.2% and 24.5%, respectively, and investment from Singapore rose by 1.8%.

Breaking News Shorts: 

• Prosus, the Naspers subsidiary is targeting an increase of 24% in their dividend from Tencent, as well as an 83% increase in adjusted Ebitda from its e-commerce businesses in its full 2025/2026 financial year from $1.1 billion to $1.2 billion. This will encompass trimming of corporate costs by 10% and expansion of its e-commerce business in South America and India.
• Zimbabwe has adjusted its economic forecast for 2025 to a 6.6% growth this year, up from an earlier projection of 6%. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced the increase was due to a larger than anticipated tobacco harvest this year and due to the rally in the global gold prices
• HSBC has officially Shut its South African Operations and has transferred its clients to Rand Merchant Bank South Africa.The UK based bank, one of the biggest finance houses in the world, announced in September 2024 that it would be closing up shop in South Africa after 30 years. The group launched its local operations in 1995. They are one of four international banks to exit the South African financial market.
• At its annual, Made on YouTube event this weekend, YouTube unveiled new updates, features, and tools geared toward creators, including updates to YouTube Live, new ways to monetise content. Studio updates include “likeness” detection and lip-synced dubs, with the video broadcast group offering new AI tools for podcasters to help promote their shows and track analytics. 
• Berkshire Hathaway  has fully exited Chinese automaker BYD, a Securities exchange filing showed, ending a 17-year investment that grew over 20-fold in value in that period.The filing by Berkshire’s energy subsidiary recorded the value of its BYD investment as zero as of end-March, down from $415 million at the end of 2024.
• China’s Chery Automobile is planning an initial public offering (IPO) to raise $1.2 billion in a Hong Kong IPO. The company last week started a book-build to sell 297.4 million shares in a price range of HK$27.75 to HK$30.75 each, according to its regulatory filings.

Markets by Numbers 

Currency markets today indicate the Euro is trading weaker against the US dollar at 1.17341 and the Pound is trading flat at 1.34697. to the US dollar. The Yen is currently trading at 148.24 to the dollar. The rand (ZAR) is currently at R17.35 to the US dollar.

Commodities:  

• Gold futures prices are trending higher today, and are currently trading around $3698.74 per ounce.  
• Copper prices are trading higher this morning, with prices currently at $4.5776
• Silver futures prices have surged again today rising by over 1.3% this morning, and is currently trading around $43.680
• Platinum futures are trading upwards today, and are currently trading at $1427.30, While Palladium prices are trading 0.6% higher this morning and currently at $1161.50
• Brent crude oil prices are currently trending upwards today, and currently at $67.13, with WTI trading at $62.83 
• Cocoa futures are up marginally this morning, and are currently at $7243.00 per ton. 
• Coffee futures have dropped by almost -4% today, and are currently at $366.50

Crypto Currencies: 

• Bitcoin prices are currently trending fairly flat today, and trading at $117006 
• Ether prices have fallen by -0.9% today and are currently at $4549.80
• $Trumpcoin is trending upwards today, and currently around $8.57

(All prices quoted at approximately 07H45 Central African Time) 

Other Headline News in Africa Today

Malawian Election Fraud Suspects Arrested

As the Malawian nation awaits the final outcome of last week’s presidential election, police in Malawi have arrested eight people for alleged electoral fraud. Police Inspector General Merlyne Yolamu said the suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, had been attempting to manipulate the voting figures. Malawi’s 2019 election had been marked by controversy when the high court annulled then President Peter Mutharika’s victory, citing widespread irregularities. As a result, Malawi’s electoral commission has been on high alert for any potential issues. Official tallies, so far, suggest Mutharika is leading the race for the presidency with incumbent Lazarus Chakwera in second place.