
Countdown to JIBAR cessation: SARB urges market to step up transition to ZARONIA
South Africa’s financial markets brace for the end of Jibar as SARB signals a major shift toward the more transparent, transaction-based ZARONIA benchmark.

South Africa’s financial markets brace for the end of Jibar as SARB signals a major shift toward the more transparent, transaction-based ZARONIA benchmark.

The MPC’s first rate cut in months underscores the SARB’s view that a lower target can support a gradual easing cycle.

Initial post-election gains have unwound as global commodity and manufacturing momentum converged with the world rand.

Governor Kganyago signals target reform ‘as soon as is practical’ while policymakers pause cuts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Despite a turbulent first quarter marked by political discord and trade-tariff shocks, CIS managers attracted R48bn in net inflows – the highest quarterly figure since 2020.

The SpendTrend25 report reveals how high interest rates and stagnant incomes are pushing consumers towards credit, loyalty rewards, and early retirement withdrawals.

The prescribed interest rate isn’t just a technicality – it determines how much extra you’ll pay (or receive) in a legal dispute, and once it applies to a debt, it stays locked in, even if rates drop later.

Reinvested income and strong interest-bearing portfolio performance led to net inflows of R85.82 billion in 2024.

With the risk premium of bonds relative to equities at a 20-year low, US bonds – particularly medium-term ones – are regaining their relevance in diversified investment portfolios.

DebtBusters’ Q4 2024 Debt Index reveals a worsening cash flow crunch, with rising reliance on short-term loans and record-high debt service ratios.

The US economy continues to surge ahead, driven by AI investments, resilient corporate growth, and strategic monetary policy.

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.

Industry leaders at the IAIS annual conference unpack key risks facing the global insurance market, including the impacts of rising interest rates, geopolitical threats, and the growing role of AI.