Latest News & Developments
cpi
South Africa's CPI rises to 2. 8%: What it means for interest rates
The CPI in South Africa rose to 2. 8% in April, defying expectations of a decrease.
Producer price inflation expected in 2025 to rise despite dipping in February
South Africa's Producer Price Inflation moderated to 1% in February, below market expectations of 1. 3%. Despite this easing, analysts predict a gradual uptick throughout 2025, with food and fuel prices expected to lead the increase amidst global economic pressures and local challenges.
South Africa's consumer inflation remains steady at 3. 2% amid rising production costs
South Africa's economic landscape is experiencing varied inflationary pressures across different sectors, demanding attention from both policymakers and consumers. This analysis explores the key factors driving these changes and their implications for the economy. "
Experts divided on potential interest rate cut as MPC meeting approaches
Experts share their insights on the anticipated interest rate decisions by the Monetary Policy Committee, considering economic pressures such as inflation and VAT increases.
Experts divided on potential interest rate cut as MPC meeting approaches
Experts share their insights on the anticipated interest rate decisions by the Monetary Policy Committee, considering economic pressures such as inflation and VAT increases.
Outsurance Group faces potential R450 million loss from Cyclone Alfred
Outsurance Group's Australian subsidiary, Youi, may incur losses of $40 million due to Cyclone Alfred, while the company reports a significant increase in earnings for the past six months.
JSE recovers as Budget Speech postponement signals GNU strength - Chris Harmse
The postponement of South Africa's National Budget Speech, initially met with market uncertainty, led to positive market sentiment as it demonstrated the Government of National Unity's continued influence over fiscal policy. Despite initial negative reactions, the JSE recovered and the Rand stabilised, showing investor confidence in democratic processes.
Schroders experts: Trump's economic policies set for moderation despite campaign promises
Amidst all the noise, the signs suggest key US economic policies will be milder than those promised on Trump’s campaign trail, clearing the way for solid global growth.
The true cost of borrowing: South Africans are losing their homes due to high interest rates
South Africans are facing increasing financial pressure as high interest rates lead to home losses. This article explores the implications of the South African Reserve Bank's policies and the urgent need for rate cuts
Chief Editor’s Note: South African banks reap rewards as high interest rates burden the poor
Local banks thrive on high interest rates, but the burden falls on the poor, highlighting the urgent need for reform in monetary policy.
Cosatu welcomes drop in inflation but urges swift rate cut action from SARB
South Africa's inflation rate has dropped dramatically to 3. 8%, marking its lowest point since March 2021. As struggling households welcome this relief, Cosatu is pushing for aggressive interest rate cuts from the Reserve Bank.
Local markets rally: Gold hits record high amid global uncertainty, says Chris Harmse
South African financial markets show resilience, bouncing back from geopolitical tensions. Gold reaches a record $2700 per ounce, while the rand strengthens and oil prices ease. Investors eye potential interest rate cuts as inflation data looms
Pushing inflation lower does not mean slower GDP growth, says Kganyago
Kganyago said another failed claim was the 2022 argument that inflation would come down only through a severe recession, with a big increase in unemployment. He pointed out that the contrary happened.
Salary increases may be a headache for already struggling municipalities
For 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years, municipal workers’ salary increases will be set at CPI plus 0. 75%, while 2027/28 and 2028/29 financial years it will be pegged at CPI plus 1. 25%.
US recession fears hit financial markets again, but sharp decreases in fuel prices expected
Many investors are nervous that the decision by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) on interest rates is too late and is behind the cycle. It is feared that even if the US lowers rates over two weeks, it will have a limited effect on its economy that moves towards lower growth and higher unemployment.
City of Cape Town fights against ‘unaffordable’ above-average wage increases
The City of Cape Town has warned that the above-average wage increases proposed for its municipal workers would lead to a huge budget shortfall.
Instant coffee affinity takes robusta beans from stepchild to favourite
Robusta is likely to keep gaining market share because the variety is more tolerant to heat and disease than arabica - though both beans still face significant climate risks.
Early Christmas on the cards for SA consumers as inflation plunges to 3-year low
Nedbank economist Johannes (Matimba) Khosa said the faster moderation in inflation was encouraging, as it will ease the strain on household disposable income.
Looming interest rates cut due to lower inflation a boost for economic activity
Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) yesterday showed that inflation fell for the second month to 4. 6% in July, the softest since July 2021, down from 5. 1% in June after holding steady for 10 months in the 5–6% range.
Consumer inflation falls to 3-year low below 5%
This was the lowest inflation print in three years since July 2021, when the rate was also 4. 6%.
Kganyago warns of further inflation risk even as trend appears firmly in favour of interest rate cut
However, he said that since September last year, headline inflation had been fluctuating between 5% and 6%, with frequent monthly setbacks coming from fuel, food and services prices.
Ramaphosa, MPC to provide direction to what lies ahead for SA – Nedbank
Nedbank expects that interest rates will remain flat when the MPC holds its meeting today.
Recent Census 2022 criticism doesn’t fly in face of theory and practice that StatsSA brings to the party
The undercount, which by any measure is high. But this does not take away the validity of the science of adjustment.
SARB expects inflation to return to 4. 5% target band in last quarter of 2025
The path back to the 4. 5% midpoint of the target band is likely to be bumpy and protracted, it says.
Good news as SA consumer food inflation cools to 6% in February
Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber, said they expected this broad moderation path to continue for most of the products within the food basket over the near-to-medium term.