Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Sharon Wood
Sharon Wood (1947–2026) of Alton, IL | Obituary
Sharon Kay Wood, 78, died at 11:18 p.m. Monday, January 26, 2026, at OSF St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center in Alton, with her daughters by her side. Born March 10, 1947, in Alton, she was the daughter of Herbert and Venita (Fulks) Wilson. Sharon retired in 2012 as an operating room nurse at Christian Hospital Northeast after more than 40 years of service. She was confident and skilled in her work and was the family’s trusted nurse and advocate.
Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty’s Wood earns accreditations
Coldwell Banker Lake Oconee Realty/Lake Country announced last week that Sharon Wood has earned Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), and Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI) designations.“Sharon’s dedication to expanding her knowledge and skill set is a testament to her professionalism and passion for real estate,” CBLO Realty/Lake Country Pre... To access content, please login or purchase a subscription.
BRICS+ set to command the global future of critical mineral and energy resources
GLOBAL SOUTH OP-ED Adding six countries to the BRICS grouping, most strategically Iran and Argentina, materially boosts the bloc’s already significant command of the critical global mineral resources that make the transition to renewable energy possible. Therein lies its most immediately accessible – and lasting – global power. De-dollarisation has dominated the headlines in the wake of the BRICS Summit.
SA inflation declines as US bond yields price in higher-for-longer interest rates Original
INFLATION PRESSURES OP-ED Soaring US 10-year Treasuries reflect a growing consensus that interest rates will be higher for longer, with global ramifications. The decline in SA’s consumer inflation rate to 4.7% in July will be hard-pressed to shift these bearish forces.
Russia’s renewed economic weaponisation of food and the 13,000 sanctions on the Motherland
The economic war being waged between Russia and the West is escalating, and there will undoubtedly be victims on both sides. Sadly, South Africa is probably at the most risk as the ANC government embraces Russia in actions, if not words.
FINANCIAL SYSTEM OP-ED: SA banks well prepared should the US regional banking crisis become systemic – former Reserve Bank deputy governor
FINANCIAL SYSTEM OP-ED The US regional banking crisis has developed a life of its own as midsize banks start to fall like dominoes. Still considered a sentiment contagion, there is a real risk it could become systemic. Fortunately, SA banks are in an even better position than they were in the last global financial crisis.
South Africa: The Emerging Food Barons - What's Up With the Soaring Prices in SA and the UK?
Food inflation remains on a worrying upward trajectory, with SA and UK food inflation running at about double the rate of their headline inflation rates. That's completely at odds with the steady decline in global food prices since March last year. We look into what could be contributing to this fundamental disconnect. Houston, we have a problem.
INFLATION OP-ED: The emerging food barons – what’s up with the soaring prices in SA and the UK?
INFLATION OP-ED Food inflation remains on a worrying upward trajectory, with SA and UK food inflation running at about double the rate of their headline inflation rates. That’s completely at odds with the steady decline in global food prices since March last year. We look into what could be contributing to this fundamental disconnect. Houston, we have a problem.
CENTRAL BANKS OP-ED: Don’t fight with the Fed; accept there will be policy uncertainty – SA Reserve Bank governor Original
CENTRAL BANKS OP-ED Though central banks are under fire for potentially overtightening, SA Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago told an international audience that humility surrounding assessing inflation forces and comfort with the prospect of a mild recession were advisable in an environment where inflation dynamics defy easy analysis Ever since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) in 2008, it’s felt like the fate of the world has rested in the hands of the central banks — and now they are...
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: Opec+ production cutback threatens to forestall easing global inflation Original
Inflation may have taken a back seat to the banking shenanigans, but it is still alive and well – and the Opec+ unexpected decision to cut back on production levels highlights that a well-behaved decline in energy prices cannot be relied upon and risks upending the inflation ground that has been gained in the past year.
BANKING FALLOUT OP-ED: South Africa’s surprise rate decision aligns with global prioritisation of inflation over the risk of a financial crisis Original
BANKING FALLOUT OP-ED The South African Reserve Bank joins the ranks of other central banks that are keeping a watching brief on the banking crisis while maintaining their dogged fight against inflation. For now, it’s not expected to become another global financial crisis, but the search is on for other unseen liabilities that could set in motion a self-fulfilling financial crisis.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS OP-ED: US’s potential risk of a debt default amid regional banking woes could add to a perfect storm
GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKETS OP-ED Signs of economic strain in the face of a year of steep rate hikes have been long in coming. But the regional banking crisis and its potential contagion effects aren’t the only things we need to worry about. The potential breach of the US government’s debt ceiling in a matter of months could add to a perfect storm for global financial markets.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: SA’s fall from grace sends it barrelling towards recession ahead of the much-anticipated US downturn
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED All signs point to SA entering a technical recession in the first quarter – ahead of the US, where economic fortunes have turned around the prospects of a recession in the first half of this year and in contrast to South Africa’s fall from grace in the last few weeks. The great thing about all the anticipation of recession this year in certain parts of the globe is that the variety of resources available to, hopefully, spot one coming has expanded considerably.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: SA’s fall from grace sends it barrelling towards recession ahead of the much-anticipated US downturn
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED All signs point to SA entering a technical recession in the first quarter – ahead of the US, where economic fortunes have turned around the prospects of a recession in the first half of this year and in contrast to South Africa’s fall from grace in the last few weeks. The great thing about all the anticipation of recession this year in certain parts of the globe is that the variety of resources available to, hopefully, spot one coming has expanded considerably.
The Weekend Wrap #23
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Manage consent Become an Insider There are many great benefits to being a Maverick Insider. Removing advertising from your browsing experience is one of them - we don't just block ads, we redesign our pages to look smarter and load faster.
GLOBAL ECONOMICS OP-ED: The temporary balm of a Budget that looks good on paper
GLOBAL ECONOMICS OP-ED In an action-packed week, the good news outweighed the bad and financial markets largely discounted a deterioration in geopolitical relations, instead focusing on the well-received South African Budget and poring over US Fed meeting minutes for signs of interest rate certainty.
RE-GLOBALISATION OP-ED: Every Chinese balloon shot down fast-tracks the shift to a politics-over-economy world order
RE-GLOBALISATION OP-ED Geopolitical risks are on the rise, foretelling the end of a 30-year period during which economic prosperity superseded political machinations. That means governments will drive the economic agenda and complexity and change lie ahead for the private sector, some of which is already under way.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: US Federal Reserve’s obsession with labour market inflation could kill the global economy
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED The outlook for interest rates is as uncertain as ever. But Federal Reserve officials’ responses to unexpectedly high labour stats suggest that interest rates may remain higher for longer. That risks monetary overkill, says Oxford Economics, resulting in substantial economic output losses and financial market instability. All eyes are on interest rates because, rightly so, they are the biggest macroeconomic known unknown the world faces in 2023.
GLOBAL ECONOMY OP-ED: Brazil and Argentina’s common currency ambitions highlight renewed de-dollarisation desires
Talk of de-dollarisation — and putting an end to the dollar’s hegemony — has been doing the rounds for decades, but recent economic and geopolitical developments have again highlighted the momentum building against the dollar’s dominance as the reserve and payment currency of the world. The dollar’s massive appreciation last year didn’t help its cause.
International Finance: SA needs to up its game or risk missing out on a China-driven commodity boom
International Finance As China’s economy awakens, so do the prospects for the commodity market after prices have steadily come off since Russia invaded Ukraine. Commodity booms have always served South Africa exceptionally well, but this time, with the energy and transport sectors in dire straits, the country stands to lose out on the revenues that flow out of the upswing. China was the sleeping giant that left the rest of the world to its own devices last year.
GLOBAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS: Global inflation dynamics call for cautious optimism that 2023 could be a better year
The good news on the inflation front is that it is expected to ease worldwide from here, but the not-so-good news is that it may well remain higher than its pre-pandemic average for longer. This week the World Bank released its World Economic Outlook, which painted a gloomy picture of the global growth outlook this year. However, it did provide some cheer in its forecast for global inflation, which is expected to fall more than two percentage points to 5.2% this year from 7.6% in 2022.
GLOBAL ECONOMICS OP-ED: Is China on the comeback trail? Well, it’s complicated
The biggest wild card next year is the impact China will have on the global economy – and that hinges on whether it manages to successfully navigate a complicated exit from its Covid-Zero policy and reboot its economy at the same time.
OPED: SA at risk of investor isolation amid a perfect storm for financial markets
OPED Cyril Ramaphosa stepping down could unleash a perfect storm in financial markets that would render a 4.2% slide in the rand small fry compared to the 2001 rand crisis. Investors hate the unknown, and with no sign of a successor who would ease investors’ worries, they will put SA into self-isolation.
GLOBAL ECONOMY OP-ED: How long will it take for a world held hostage by high inflation to break free?
GLOBAL ECONOMY OP-ED Though inflation is consistently high across the globe, the latest research highlights that the way countries escape from their cost of living crises over the next two years will likely differ markedly – both in the time it takes and the extent to which price pressures release their hold on their economies.
JUST TRANSITION OP-ED: SA stands out from the crowd at COP27, but needs to seize the investor opportunity
There have been all too few moments since Jacob Zuma took over the presidency in 2009 when we have been afforded the opportunity to feel proud of our government — and the unveiling of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET-IP) at the COP27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, this week was one of them.
Vote to re-elect Kathe Maneval to the Waynesboro City School Board
Kathe Maneval has diligently served our city the last 16 years on the Waynesboro School Board. During this time. Kathe also raised her children who all successfully graduated from our school system and moved on to higher education. Kathe has experienced the school system from many angles throughout this time, including that of a parent, one sitting on the school board and as a member of our community.
GLOBAL ECONOMY OP-ED: US-China trade decoupling seems all but assured – and the costs are mounting
Latest research shows the US and China’s pursuit of economic independence, resulting in the process of decoupling and trade policy uncertainty, is already costing the global economy. Though the road back to a healthy trade environment that has served us well in the past is clear, the evidence suggests that the horse has already bolted.
MTBPS OP-ED: SA’s mini budget rewarded for fiscal restraint in the face of a growth imperative
South Africa’s mini budget and the recent UK fiscal debacle have one thing in common: their single-minded emphasis on growth and what government can do to lift it in the years ahead. Just how focused the government is on growth is reflected in the number of times Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana mentioned growth in his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS): 25 times, more than double the 11 times in his February Budget speech.
ECONOMIC GROWTH OP-ED: Bond vigilantes — how investors are calling the shots on government fiscal agendas
ECONOMIC GROWTH OP-ED The UK has felt the full force of bond vigilantes, and they have successfully made Liz Truss the shortest-serving British prime minister in history. Fortunately, the SA government — shortly due to unveil its medium-term budget — is more likely to get a vote of confidence from bond investors.
GLOBAL ECONOMY OP-ED: Confronting the cost of the US Federal Reserve getting it wrong – again
Do investors know something we don’t? News that both headline and core US consumer inflation had come in higher than expected – against a backdrop of the World Bank and IMF slashing their growth expectations – saw the US stock market indices soar 2.5%-plus and European indices rise more than 1% on the day.
GLOBAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS: Financial stresses spark warnings of the high costs of central bank rate hikes
GLOBAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS Stark warnings from many sources are being voiced about the potential costs to the global economy of hawkish central bank actions. These are showing up in the evidence coming through that reveals worrying financial stresses. The fourth quarter is thus likely to herald ongoing, nail-biting volatility.
ECONOMICS & POLITICS OP-ED: Lessons from the UK fiscal policy mess and financial market meltdown
ECONOMICS & POLITICS OP-ED The UK’s economic misfortunes tipped over into a full financial market meltdown on the news that UK Prime Minister Liz Truss was cutting taxes more than expected with no communication about how the government would fund this. The financial markets’ response was swift and brutal, providing a case study for other leaders on what not to do.
ANALYSIS: Fears of 2023 recession rise after most-synchronised rate hike cycle in 50 years
‘Prepare yourself for the worst.” That was the main takeaway from the US Federal Reserve’s rate-setting meeting this week when it hiked interest rates by 75 basis points (bps) and warned of more pain to come. Fed chair Jerome Powell best summed up the painful reality of what to expect: “We have got to get inflation behind us. I wish there were a painless way to do that.
GREENBACK OP-ED: US dollar’s unchecked dominance imperils emerging markets – and surprisingly its own economy
The dollar is running rampant on the global foreign exchange stage, but, unlike previous periods when countries rallied against the greenback’s ascension, it’s unlikely to be reined in any time soon.
GLOBAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS: Desperate times call for desperate economic measures
GLOBAL ECONOMY ANALYSIS Governments resort to historic economic measures that may have unintended effects down the line — and increase the role of the government in advanced economies. Panicking about energy costs has upped the ante. Governments around the world are increasingly having to resort to desperate measures to withstand the multi-pronged headwinds facing the global economy — and these historic decisions are likely to have long-term consequences after the dust has settled.
MARKETS OP-ED: Jackson Hole pushes out prospects of spring for SA and emerging financial markets
MARKETS OP-ED South Africa and emerging markets have borne the brunt of the disappointment that followed news that inflation remains public enemy number one, with major central banks unlikely to take their feet off the accelerator for some time yet. But there are patches of sunlight.
EUROZONE ANALYSIS: Europe’s summer of discontent — and what this means for South Africa
EUROZONE ANALYSIS Europe faces the perfect storm: Soaring energy prices, a once in 500-year drought, recession and the likelihood of a protracted war on its doorstep. Fortunately, the direct impact of South Africa’s second-largest trade partner’s misfortunes on the domestic economy looks manageable.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: Where is the evidence that the battle against US inflation has been won?
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED US consumer inflation may have peaked in July – or maybe not. Energy prices are working in favour of lower inflation in the months ahead, but food prices are not. Until food prices join the party, it’s too early to celebrate that the battle against inflation has been won. There was a collective sigh of relief when US consumer price inflation came in below expectations last week, seemingly confirming inflation in the world’s largest economy had peaked.
GEOPOLITICS & MACROECONOMICS OP-ED: China grapples with a troubled economy while toying with the global world order
Inflation and interest rates have dominated the world’s attention this year, but it’s China that holds the key to the future of the global geopolitical and macroeconomic outlook – and recent developments look far from promising. China is currently flexing its muscles over Taiwan while, at the same time, grappling with a troubled local economy – both of which have significant ramifications for the world as we know it.
ANALYSIS: Is the worst of the emerging market sell-off behind us — or is it the calm before the storm?
ANALYSIS Emerging markets have borne the brunt of the US Fed’s battle to tame inflation and the associated tide of risk-off sentiment. There are early signs that the tide may have turned, but are predictions that the worst is behind them wishful thinking as we head into the two most volatile months, historically? Emerging markets have had a tough time of it ever since the US Fed pulled out the interest rate bazooka and began its series of outsized 75-basis point hikes.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: All bets are off while there’s no consensus on the final arbiter of a US recession
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED US growth fell 0.9% in the second quarter, satisfying the technical definition of a recession. However, policymakers don’t subscribe to this definition, instead preferring a broader-based measure. Last year’s heated debate was whether inflation was likely to prove transitory or become a significant problem for the world economy. Those who were on the side of the latter turned out to be right.
Business Maverick: SA Reserve Bank’s 75 basis points rate hike raises the odds of an imminent peak in inflation
For some time now, economists have been predicting that inflation is going to peak soon — a prospect that seems a far stretch with inflation rates at multidecade highs across the world. However, the SA Reserve Bank’s decision to go big with a 75 basis points (bps) repo rate increase shifts the odds in favour of those predicting peak inflation in July.
OP-ED: SA Reserve Bank’s 75 basis points rate hike raises the odds of an imminent peak in inflation
For some time now, economists have been predicting that inflation is going to peak soon — a prospect that seems a far stretch with inflation rates at multidecade highs across the world. However, the SA Reserve Bank’s decision to go big with a 75 basis points (bps) repo rate increase shifts the odds in favour of those predicting peak inflation in July.
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK OP-ED: There are lessons to be learnt from Sri Lanka’s ‘sea of troubles’
Sri Lanka has become the unfortunate poster child for what the International Monetary Fund (IMF) this week termed a “sea of troubles” facing the world economy. The south Asian country has been moving ever closer to the economic abyss since 2019, and citizens finally took the situation into their own hands, physically ousting the president and Prime Minister from their residences and demanding their resignations.
South Africa: SA Lags Behind in Facing Up to the Magnitude of Global Energy Insecurity
South Africa: SA Lags Behind in Facing Up to the Magnitude of Global Energy Insecurity analysis By Sharon Wood Acute energy insecurity threatens much of the world right now. But there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel in the hardest-hit developed economy, Europe, where countries are putting in place measures to reduce their dependence on Russian oil and gas, and avoid labour strikes.
POWER CRISIS OP-ED: SA lags behind in facing up to the magnitude of global energy insecurity
The International Energy Agency defines energy security as “the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price” – and the world is fast moving to the other end of the spectrum, where acute energy insecurity threatens to undermine the already shaky foundations of the global economy.
July Half-Price Sale on eBooks for Boomers!
During the month of July only, a select group of eBooks written for Boomers will be on sale for half-price. This special promotion is only available at Smashwords.com, where you can select your choice of eBook format, including Kindle (mobi), EPUB and PDF. To take advantage of this half-price sale, click on the eBook titles below that interest you. When you check out, simply use the code SSW50 to get the eBook of your choice at half price. Offer good through July 31.
NEW AGE OF UNCERTAINTY OP-ED: Midyear global economic outlook: The future will look nothing like the past
NEW AGE OF UNCERTAINTY OP-ED The first half of 2022 is not a period we want to be repeated, but the second half of the year may prove even worse. Global regional economic divides, a higher inflation reality, and, worst-case, outright war are just some of the eventualities that could lie ahead.
RATE RISE OP-ED: What are the chances of the Sarb now joining the 75-bp interest rate club?
RATE RISE OP-ED SA’s highest inflation rate in five years was a wake-up call to how much more food prices are rising. It also highlighted that second-round inflationary pressures are materialising. Are these inflation trends sufficiently worrying to justify the SA Reserve Bank following in the US Fed’s footsteps with a hefty 75bp rate hike in July?
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Sharon
Contact Sharon, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack