Earlier today, Stats SA released its retail sales figures for November.
The data came out better than expected, but the rate of growth was lower than the revised figure reported for October.
Let's take a closer look at what the data revealed…
Retail sales came in at 2.6% in November
Retail sales in South Africa “rose 2.6% year-on-year in November,” reports Fin24. This was high... ››› more
Yesterday, Stats SA released its data on manufacturing production for November last year.
The data was disappointing. It showed a substantial drop in manufacturing production output over the month. Particular sectors of the manufacturing sector pulled the figure down.
Let's take a closer look at what the data showed…
Manufacturing production dipped 1.3% in November 2014
The data s... ››› more
On Friday, power utility Eskom said it had to start load shedding as its electricity supplies were again under pressure.
The company said it envisaged load shedding this week as power supplies would be under pressure as businesses got back into full swing and schools reopened for the year.
Today, Eskom announced that its power supplies are under pressure, but stable and it should be able to ... ››› more
Today, the rand is trading near its strongest level so far for 2015.
The local currency has been under pressure as global investors shunned emerging market assets.
Friday's non-farm payroll data did better than analysts expected. But concerns relate to the slow growth of average wages. This news fuelled speculation that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) won't hike rates until at least the middle ... ››› more
This morning, the rand showed signs of slight strength against the dollar. With the greenback continuing its charge stronger, it's put pressure on South Africa's local currency.
Later on today, the US releases its much awaited non-farm payroll data. This is indicative of the health of the US economy. With the chance of the US hiking rates this year, impressive data could put the rand under more... ››› more
Yesterday, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) released its figures for business confidence in December.
In spite of showing some recovery in November, the business confidence index fell in December. The main factor putting pressure on business confidence is the rand's poor performance.
And business confidence looks likely to remain under pressure through the New Year.... ››› more
Yesterday, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA (NAAMSA) released its new vehicle sales figures for December and 2014 as a whole.
The figures for December showed a rise, but for the full year they didn't impress.
A variety of different factors put pressure on new vehicle sales.
Let's take a closer look at what the figures showed and what might lie ahead for 2015…
... ››› more
Earlier today, South African power utility Eskom revealed that the country's facing a high risk of load shedding. This is down to the failure of two of its power generators.
For several years, issues with power supplies have plagued SA.
This comes as Eskom missed another deadline for opening a new power plant unit. It was due to come online in December.
Let's take a closer look at what's ... ››› more
Over the festive period, it's easy to overindulge and spend more than you planned. But some respite is on the cards for motorists.
Tomorrow night sees a significant drop in the petrol price.
So what has led to this large drop in the petrol price? And how much can you look forward to saving?
Let's take a closer look…
The local petrol price is benefitting from a slump in the oil pr... ››› more
The rand has started the New Year off weaker. The local currency is under strain as investors turn their backs on emerging market assets.
So what's going on with the rand? And what lies ahead?
Let's take a closer look…
The dollar’s strength is hitting the rand
The rand dipped to “a two-and-a-half week low against the dollar” this morning, says Fin24. This as investors specul... ››› more
The Department of Energy says that motorists can look forward to a substantial drop in the price of fuel come the start of the New Year.
With many motorists taking to the road to visit family and friends, and to go on their summer holidays, concerns have been growing about the availability of fuel.
But the Department of Energy says that oil companies have issued assurances that there will be... ››› more
Lately, the rand has been on a roller coaster ride. Last week, the local currency weakened to touch six-year lows.
As the markets get quieter as many traders take the festive period off, the rand is more vulnerable to weakness.
One positive on the rand's side is after the rouble's plunge last week, the Russian currency is on a steadier footings. This has helped emerging market currencies.
... ››› more
On Wednesday, the rand hit a six-year low.
Yet thanks to a statement by the US Federal Reserve indicating that it has no plans to hike interest rates until well into 2015, the local currency has firmed over the past two days.
But the rand remains vulnerable as 2014 comes to an end and going into the New Year.
Let's take a closer look at what's going on…
The rand firms against the ... ››› more
Yesterday, Stats SA released its data on producer inflation for November.
The data showed that inflation fell on a year-on-year basis. Yet looking at the data on a month-on-month basis, the key figure remained unchanged.
So what led to the easing in yearly data?
Let's take a closer look…
Producer inflation eased to 6.5% last month
Stats SA said that producer inflation, measured... ››› more
Over the past few days, the rand has been on a volatile ride.
The local currency was under pressure following the crash of the Russian rouble on Tuesday. With worries about the health of the South African economy continuing, the rand is bearing the brunt.
But the release of a statement by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) last night has helped the rand strengthen slightly today.
Let's take a c... ››› more