- South African and global markets were volatile last week due to concerns around a possible downgrade of South Africa's credit rating and weak economic data from China and the US. However, the South African market ended the week higher. - The Rand appreciated against major currencies as concerns about a credit rating downgrade eased and US job growth disappointed expectations. - Domestic bond and property markets strengthened while global stock markets declined in Rand terms. South African economic growth and other data expected this week will be closely watched.