Sanlam: clients need advisers’ counsel in a more fragmented world
Global shocks may be getting harder to forecast, and the real task is constructing portfolios that can withstand a wider range of outcomes.
inflation
‘At least one’ rate hike likely if inflation worsens
Fuel-price shocks, sticky services inflation, and global pressures are making it harder for the SARB to keep inflation anchored near its new goal, says Sanlam.
South Africa’s new inflation target gets its first big test
The Reserve Bank is not ruling out more rate tightening after successive fuel price jumps have revived inflation risks.
Energy shock shifts rate outlook and raises stagflation risk
A Middle East-driven energy surge is reshaping inflation, interest rate expectations, and portfolio positioning, with direct implications for South Africa.
Rising oil prices complicate South Africa’s inflation outlook
After attacks disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, crude prices spiked sharply – raising the prospect of higher fuel costs and renewed inflation pressure locally.
SARB clarifies 3% inflation target as policy shifts draw mixed reactions
The MPC’s first rate cut in months underscores the SARB’s view that a lower target can support a gradual easing cycle.
Treasury: 3% inflation target will improve competitiveness but squeeze short-term revenues
Godongwana announces a shift from the 3%-to-6% range to a 3% target with a 1-percentage-point tolerance band, to be implemented over two years.
SARB and Treasury align on 3% inflation objective as repo rate holds
Governor Kganyago signals target reform ‘as soon as is practical’ while policymakers pause cuts.
Medical scheme hikes: CMS calls for restraint, but will schemes listen?
The Council for Medical Schemes recommends capping 2026 contribution increases at 3.3% plus “reasonable utilisation estimates”, yet past trends show schemes often push far higher.
SA’s growth outlook brightens – but personal inflation could dim the gains
Old Mutual’s Johann Els says rising personal inflation could quietly erode household finances and retirement savings – making it vital to save early and more.
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.
Surge in unregulated buy-now-pay-later raises affordability concerns
Credit expansion is coming almost entirely from the deeper use of cards and personal loans by current credit-active consumers, rather than fresh market entrants, says RCS.
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.
South Africans swipe more, save less as financial strain deepens
The SpendTrend25 report reveals how high interest rates and stagnant incomes are pushing consumers towards credit, loyalty rewards, and early retirement withdrawals.
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.
Debt crisis deepens: South Africans using up to 75% of income to repay debt
DebtBusters’ Q4 2024 Debt Index reveals a worsening cash flow crunch, with rising reliance on short-term loans and record-high debt service ratios.
