Economy

Are you ready for the rand to hit R60 to the dollar?
Chris Hart, regular contributor to the South African Investor predicts that the rand will hit R60 to the dollar by 2019. He also believes that credit ratings agencies will soon declare South Africa's junk status before the end of this year. This is bad news for South African Investors. But just how worried should you be? And is there anything you can do to hedge your investments against this event... ››› more
[16 May 2016]

South Africa's economy loses yet again - This time to a political unstable counterpart
The International Monetary Fund reports that South Africa is now Africa's third largest economy. Egypt has knocked us off our second place position. South Africa's economy has been steadily declining since 2012. The South African currency weakened from an average of 8.20 rand to $1 in 2012, to 12.74 rand to $1 in 2015—a depreciation of more than 50%. South Africa has barely managed to d... ››› more
[13 May 2016]

Three principles to beat the market, even in the worst economic conditions
From 1929 to 1939, the deepest and longest-lasting economic downturn in the history demolished the Western world. This was a period of rampant speculation which led to a market crash of epic proportions - known as The Great Depression. In just three days, the Dow Jones sank from 400 to 145 wiping over $5 billion worth of market cap. During this volatile period, one of the greatest investment... ››› more
[06 May 2016]

Will rising interest rates mean the end for the listed property boom in 2016?
South African interest rates are up 0.5% for the year. This was the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) reaction to growing inflation and a weakening rand. And, looking, at what's going on internationally I expect South African interest rates to go up even more in 2016. You see, the US Federal Reserve Bank signalled it was likely to increase interest rates at its next meeting on 15 Decemb... ››› more
[07 December 2015]

Business confidence continues to ebb as a struggling economy takes its toll
Earlier today saw the release of the RMB/BER business confidence index. The data showed that business confidence is continuing to fall. So what is putting pressure on business confidence? Let's take a closer look… The business confidence index falls to 36 Business confidence has hit 36 for the last quarter of the year, reports Fin24. This after the index fell “from 42 to... ››› more
[26 November 2015]

Producer inflation jumps higher as food prices rise
Earlier today, Stats SA released its producer inflation data for October. The data showed that the rise was mostly due to climbing food prices. This data could indicate that a jump higher in consumer inflation could be on the cards. Let's take a closer look at what the data revealed… Producer inflation rises to 4.2% Producer inflation, as measured by the producer price ind... ››› more
[26 November 2015]

SA avoids recession as GDP rises over the third quarter
Earlier today, Stats SA released its gross domestic product (GDP) data for the three months to the end of September. This comes after two quarters of negative growth this year. Let's take a closer look at what the data shows… GDP rises 0.7% from July to September GDP rose by 0.7% in the third quarter of the year in comparison to the second quarter when the economy contract... ››› more
[24 November 2015]

The Reserve Bank hikes interest rates 0.25%
Earlier today, the Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee revealed that it was hiking interest rates. This comes as the majority of economists seemed to believe that the bank would hold off hiking rates for the moment. Let's take a closer look at the Reserve Bank's decision… An interest rate hike takes prime to 9.75% This afternoon, the governor of the Reserve Bank, ... ››› more
[19 November 2015]

Will the Reserve Bank hike interest rates this afternoon?
This afternoon, the Reserve Bank will give a statement following the central bank's monetary policy committee meeting. The main concern will be whether the committee decides to hike rates or not. Let's take a closer look at what could be on the cards… Will the Reserve Bank hike interest rates 0.25%? There is a growing consensus that the Reserve Bank will hike interest rate... ››› more
[19 November 2015]

Retail sales remain subdued as consumers continue to struggle
Today, Stats SA released its retail sales data for September. Growth in sales fell. With consumers feeling the strain, this data may provide further reason for the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates unchanged tomorrow. Let's take a closer look at what the data revealed… Retail sales dipped in September Stats SA reported that retail sales growth fell to 2.7% in September, ... ››› more
[18 November 2015]

Consumer inflation ticks higher in line with expectations
Earlier today, Stats SA released its consumer inflation data for October, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI). Over the period, inflation rose slightly. Let's take a closer look at what the data revealed… Consumer inflation comes in at 4.7% for October On a year-on-year basis, consumer inflation rose 0.1% from September to 4.7% in October, reports Fin24. On a mon... ››› more
[18 November 2015]

Consumers could face another hefty hike to electricity tariffs if Eskom gets its way
It looks like another tariff hike could be looming for electricity users. Eskom has applied to the National Energy Regulator of South African (NERSA) for approval to raise a shortfall. This could see a double digit rise to electricity tariffs from next year. Let's take a closer look at what's going on… Eskom is seeking to recoup R22.8 billion Today, Eskom applied to th... ››› more
[12 November 2015]

The weak rand and drought are bad news for food prices
The rand has continued weaker this year. While this in itself has inflationary consequences, it could get worse for consumers. This as the drought affecting much of the country means food prices are set to rise and importing food will be more expensive because of the weak currency. Let's take a closer look… Food imports mean rising food prices Grain SA has warned that food... ››› more
[12 November 2015]

Fuel prices will be cheaper at the pump come Wednesday
On Saturday, the Department of Energy announced its changes to the prices of fuel for November. It revealed good news for motorists as both the petrol price and the diesel price will fall. Let's take a closer look… Fuel prices fall all round On 4 November, the “price of all grades of petrol [and] the wholesale price of both grades of diesel” will fall, reports Fin24. T... ››› more
[02 November 2015]

Producer inflation rises on the back of higher food prices
Earlier today, Stats SA released its producer inflation figures for September. The data showed a slight rise in the key economic indicator compared to the same period last year. Yet lower fuel prices helped to offset a larger rise. Let's take a closer look at what the data revealed… Producer inflation rose to 3.6% Producer inflation, as measured by the producer price index (PPI... ››› more
[29 October 2015]

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