Consumers fear they are running out of financial breathing room
A Debt Rescue survey suggests many households have little capacity left to absorb higher borrowing costs, adding to concerns about rising food, fuel, and electricity expenses.
inflation
Fuel pushed May inflation higher, but the policy-rate outlook has shifted
The SARB still faces risks, although lower oil prices and improving supply expectations point to a less threatening inflation path than three weeks ago.
Green shoots emerge, but can South Africa build on them?
Signs of recovery are emerging across the economy, yet questions remain about whether the momentum can survive global uncertainty.
Salary growth steadied in Q1 – but pressure on pay may lie ahead
Inflation has already erased recent gains, and higher fuel costs risk deepening the squeeze on household budgets.
Debt pressure shifts up the income ladder despite rate relief
DebtBusters data shows repayments still swallow most take-home pay, with pressure shifting upwards to higher earners and credit thinning out for lower-income households.
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.
‘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.
