
Why lower CPI won’t mean lower healthcare costs for South Africans
Medical inflation outpaces CPI because of unique pressures such as the rising costs of technology, chronic diseases, and private healthcare pricing.

Medical inflation outpaces CPI because of unique pressures such as the rising costs of technology, chronic diseases, and private healthcare pricing.

How low will the repo rate drop, and how fast? Economists share their insights.

With the South African Reserve Bank’s 25 basis point interest rate cut announced last week, Ninety One explores the central bank’s new inflation measures – supercore and PCCI.

Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s contribution adjustments will be more evenly distributed across its members, highlighting the widespread effects of increasing medical inflation on contribution rates.

Even as inflation eases, high interest rates continue to erode incomes, forcing many South Africans to rely on loans to get by.

The Council for Medical Schemes has advised medical schemes to limit their contribution increases for 2025 to 4.4% plus ‘reasonable’ utilisation estimates.

Economists assess the possible impact of the reforms on household consumption, real fixed investment, inflation, government debt, and GDP growth.

Coronation looks at whether a life or a living annuity is more likely to protect a retiree’s income if we enter a high-inflation environment.

Old Mutual Insure unpacks the impact of loadshedding on the insurance industry and the outlook for a stable electricity supply.

Effective communication and diligent advisory practices by intermediaries can shield clients from the consequences of underinsurance.

Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the central bank will remain committed to reining in inflation if a new government spends more and the deficit increases.

The latest Long-term Perspectives publication highlights why it is necessary to invest in assets that can deliver inflation-beating returns over the long run.

Paul Hutchinson, sales manager at Ninety One, recommends growth-focused investments to protect against long-term economic changes – and inflation.

Fitch’s recent affirmation of the country’s BB- rating underscores concerns about weak GDP growth, power shortages, faltering logistics, and a rising government debt-to-GDP ratio.

Schroders’ chief economist and strategist, Keith Wade, identifies three dominant themes over the past 35 years and discusses how he expects them to continue shaping the global economy and markets in the decades ahead.

South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago unpacks the risks to inflation and the country’s ability to surmount them.

From the pink-clad world of Barbie to the dazzling lights of music tours, the impact of pop culture phenomena on the global financial markets is shaping investors’ decisions.