SME optimism fades as confidence slips
Business Partners’ Q1 2025 SME Confidence Index finds early-year optimism has been eroded – driven chiefly by budget uncertainty, a R75bn revenue shortfall and global volatility.
#economicgrowth
Southern Africa’s private equity defies fundraising slump with record deals
The SAVCA 2025 survey shows PE firms powering ahead with R26.6bn in investments, resilient portfolio growth, and a stronger focus on infrastructure, ESG, and transformation despite tougher fundraising conditions.
SARB sees path to growth: lower inflation, de-risking, and smarter debt
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says permanently lower inflation, fiscal consolidation, and reduced country risk could cut interest rates and create space for sustainable growth.
SARB ramps up 3% inflation goal – Godongwana insists on due process
The Reserve Bank’s repo rate cut by 25bps to 7% signals the start of a more accommodative cycle as inflation remains firmly under control.
Can the SARB anchor inflation at 3% without hiking rates?
SARB economist Thuli Radebe explains how targeting lower inflation could ease borrowing costs and support growth – challenging fears that a 3% goal means more interest rate hikes.
Budget gap widens as revenue projections slide
The revised Budget reveals the hard truth: with limited borrowing room and rising demands, Treasury must make tough calls on what to fund – and what to cut.
Godongwana reassures Ithala’s depositors with R2bn guarantee
The minister’s address to the FSCA conference also touched on regulation, South Africa’s G20 presidency, political tensions over the Budget, and economic growth.
Budget: higher taxes, rising costs, and no relief for households
A phased VAT increase and frozen tax brackets mean South Africans will pay more, while concerns grow over government spending and economic stagnation.
Rand wobbles, markets react – but Budget delay isn’t a crisis (yet)
Financial planners weigh in on the fallout and why investors should stay calm.
Budget 2025: can debt stability lay the foundation for growth?
With South Africa’s debt-to-GDP ratio at 75.1%, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana faces a tough balancing act – can his Budget Speech reassure investors and spark economic growth?
Surrenders and competition challenge the insurance market, says Moody’s
Life insurers are expected to maintain steady profitability, but policy surrenders and competition-driven pricing pressures could impact long-term growth.
Bank of America predicts only one repo rate cut this year
Stable growth and fiscal discipline could see South Africa’s credit rating rise two notches in the next three years.
The two key risks investors should watch amid the Trump noise
Old Mutual Wealth’s Izak Odendaal believes the only two risks that should concern investors are the US economy going into a recession and the Fed hiking interest rates.
Concern over decline in matric candidates writing STEM gateway subjects
This has negative implications for the country’s economic growth and the learners’ career prospects in a rapidly changing work environment.
Municipal infrastructure: a complex landscape with emerging opportunities
Public-private partnerships and sustainable projects are opportunities for impactful, long-term investment in essential services and economic growth.
Is South Africa back on track?
While challenges remain, improvements in energy supply, the rand, and infrastructure investment offer hope for future growth, provided the government continues to deliver on its promises.
SA credit rating upgrade is on the cards – not investment grade yet
The rating upgrade is likely to have profound implications for investment portfolios.
