Government dithers as outlook dims
While politicians focus on secret deals, key posts go unfilled, crisis warnings are ignored, and corruption rules at all levels.
Brics plans allow SA to punch above its weight
South Africa prides itself on punching above its weight in the international arena. One measure of the disparity between the country and the global players it interacts with emerged last week, with the creation of the New
‘Gordhan did sterling job’
While the minister’s speech was overtly electioneering ahead of the polls, an expert said the numbers were not.
Growth forecasts ‘too high or too low’
Economists are divided on the credibility of the growth forecasts made in Pravin Gordhan’s Budget.
Sound financial planning unbroken since 1994
A golden thread of sound financial planning has run through the 20 national Budgets since the transition to democracy in April 1994.
Economists weigh in on Marcus’s announcement
SA is now officially at the start of a gradual rate tightening cycle that may last three to four years, according to Paul Stewart of Grindrod Asset Management.
Mandela set SA on a pragmatic path
In February 1992, Nelson Mandela made a pivotal decision on the type of economic policy the ANC would promote.
Rand slides as current account gap grows
The rand tumbled on Tuesday on news that the gap between income from exports of goods and services and the country’s import bill widened sharply to 6. 8 percent of gross domestic product in the third quarter.
SA’s trade data healthier after BLNS inclusion
South Africa’s trade data looked much healthier on Friday after the SA Revenue Service (Sars) added more detailed information to its month-end report – but the figures remain disappointing.
Credit data show no recovery yet in sluggish economy
Credit data from the Reserve Bank on Friday confirmed that the sluggish domestic economy is showing no sign of an early recovery.
Strikes rein in SA’s economic growth
Strikes in the third quarter contributed to a contraction in South Africa’s economic growth.
MPC sidelines rate increase, saying timing is not right
Rate hikes are on the table, according to Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus.
Trade deficit of R19bn still dangerously wide
The gap between South Africa’s revenue from exports and the cost of its imports remained alarmingly high in September.
First-half fiscal balances show budget forecast is on track
The latest data on state income and spending, released on Wednesday, showed that government revenue remained “elevated” and expenditure “sufficiently subdued” in September, according to Econometrix
China exposure a risk for Africa
China’s investment in its own economy has boosted sub-Saharan Africa’s exports over the past 15 years, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Growth down in unsecured loans to households, says Reserve Bank
Growth in unsecured lending to households declined from last year’s highs of 30 percent year on year to 18 percent last month, Annabel Bishop, the chief economist at the Investec group, said in response to data on cr
Reserve Bank warns on ratings
Another rating downgrade could have serious implications for South Africa, says the Reserve Bank.
Leaders call for action on union
African leaders must move from talk shops about economic integration on the continent to implementing agreements on integration.
SA improving, but can do more - Moody’s
Moody's has given South Africa a gentle pat on the back after Pravin Gordhan's mini-budget.
Petrol price relief for motorists
SA motorists will get further relief on petrol prices when the Department of Energy announces its monthly adjustment.
Reuss adds to view that irked Gordhan
The Treasury has a good track record for sticking to its expenditure plans, according to Standard & Poor’s South African head Konrad Reuss.
For the record
Business Report incorrectly reported yesterday that rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has South Africa on an A3 rating.
Heavy tax burden rests on SA individuals
The latest tax statistics from Sars and the Treasury show which South Africans feel the biggest pinch.
SA faces rating downgrade - Citi
Economist Gina Schoeman warns of a possible downgrade from Moody's ahead of SA's medium-term budget statement.
Africa in danger of market bubble
Africa may be the next emerging market bubble, according to David Cowan, an Africa economist at Citi.