One quarter of contraction, not a recession.

The distinction matters because ratings agencies and bond markets price it directly.

Brent crude, near $96 a barrel as of September 1, has strained trade, manufacturing and mining most.

Statistics South Africa is rebasing its accounts, due to yield updated figures later this year.

How each outlet framed it
Daily Maverick
links GDP contraction to Middle East war, emphasizes non-recession status and sector-specific (trade/mining/manufacturing) impact

Sources: Daily Maverick