South Africa Auto Policy vs Reality: Despite record 2025 exports, imported vehicles dominate new sales, with imports at 69% overall and 80% for passenger cars, while local content sits around 40% versus a 60% target—pushing calls to adjust incentives as affordability squeezes the middle class and some models don’t match demand. U.S. Markets & Rates: Wall Street rallied after oil prices eased and bond pressure cooled; meanwhile mortgage rates climbed to the highest since Jan 2025, with new construction slipping—signaling a housing slowdown. Energy Costs Hitting Consumers: Diesel prices are rising amid the Iran conflict and supply disruptions, with knock-on effects for trucking and everyday goods. Geopolitical Risk for Businesses: A U.S. survey finds executives increasingly pessimistic, with most saying conflicts are harder to manage and forcing shorter planning horizons and more contingencies. Crypto & Payments: Upbit listed Japan’s yen stablecoin JPYC, letting users trade yen-pegged tokens directly with won—raising regulators’ concerns about cross-border flows. Local Business Support: Duke Energy is offering storm and flood grants to small businesses in southwest Ohio. Retail & Housing Watch: Colorado’s August data points to a buyer-leaning market as sales fall and days on market rise; separately, Colorado and other markets show consumers staying cautious as costs remain elevated. Disney Streaming Leadership: Disney named Adam Smith sole chairman for direct-to-consumer, with Joe Earley shifting roles as the company streamlines around Disney+ and Hulu.