SARB’s first rate cut in four years sparks debate on interest rate trajectory
How low will the repo rate drop, and how fast? Economists share their insights.
inflation
What is supercore inflation, and could it influence the SARB’s rate decisions?
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 announces 2025 contribution increases: average hike of 9.3%
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.
Why your salary feels smaller: purchasing power plummets as debt levels soar
Even as inflation eases, high interest rates continue to erode incomes, forcing many South Africans to rely on loans to get by.
Will medical schemes adhere to an inflation-linked tariff hike?
The Council for Medical Schemes has advised medical schemes to limit their contribution increases for 2025 to 4.4% plus ‘reasonable’ utilisation estimates.
How the two-pot system may impact household income and inflation
Economists assess the possible impact of the reforms on household consumption, real fixed investment, inflation, government debt, and GDP growth.
Considering annuity options if inflation surges during retirement
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.
Loadshedding: ‘It is going to be a tight winter’
Old Mutual Insure unpacks the impact of loadshedding on the insurance industry and the outlook for a stable electricity supply.
Essential role of intermediaries in safeguarding against underinsurance
Effective communication and diligent advisory practices by intermediaries can shield clients from the consequences of underinsurance.
Glimmer of hope for when the SARB will start cutting the repo rate?
Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the central bank will remain committed to reining in inflation if a new government spends more and the deficit increases.
Structurally higher inflation is posing an increasing threat to investors, says OMIG
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.
Education costs surge: schools, universities see price hikes in 2024
Paul Hutchinson, sales manager at Ninety One, recommends growth-focused investments to protect against long-term economic changes – and inflation.
South Africa faces economic headwinds as Fitch rating reflects concerns
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.
35 years of transformation: reflecting on the evolution of the global economy
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.
Sarb governor says ‘naughty local governments’ are driving inflation
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago unpacks the risks to inflation and the country’s ability to surmount them.
‘Barbie mania’ puts investors in the pink
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.
Impending climate phenomena could derail next year’s prospect of lower interest rates
As higher winter rainfall gives way to a hotter and drier summer, a leading asset manager predicts that El Niño could lead to higher food prices and interest rates, and the potential for social unrest in emerging markets.
