
Is South Africa back on track?
While challenges remain, improvements in energy supply, the rand, and infrastructure investment offer hope for future growth, provided the government continues to deliver on its promises.

While challenges remain, improvements in energy supply, the rand, and infrastructure investment offer hope for future growth, provided the government continues to deliver on its promises.

The bank’s Financial Stability Review also flags the growing financial distress among households and SMMEs and the vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector.

Having reached the target of 4.5% with ‘little or no cost’, Lesetja Kganyago argues that South Africa can achieve permanently lower inflation and interest rates.

Interest rate cuts, infrastructure bonds, and a revitalised stock market – China’s new stimulus package is poised to impact global investment strategies.

In a market facing economic challenges, Altria and BAT have outperformed major indexes. Ryk de Klerk explores the pricing of tobacco shares, risk premiums, and the factors driving their resilience.

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

Headline inflation softened to 5.2% in April, but the upside risks remain, particularly from food prices.

Bank Zero’s chief executive agrees that the Corporation for Deposit Insurance has the potential to boost the competitiveness of the new digital banks.

The markets are pricing for a rate reduction next year, and headline inflation is expected to return to the midpoint of the target band only in the last quarter of 2025.

South Africa’s core fiscal challenge is to get the gap between economic growth and the cost of borrowing back into positive territory.

Financial advisers can guide their clients on how to manage the knock-on effect of rising costs without compromising their long-term financial wellness.

Reducing regulation, lowering the cost of doing business, and tapping into the infrastructure asset class can position SA to attract FDI, says Izak Odendaal.

Ryk de Klerk delves into commodity trends, market divergence, and strategic insights, giving a comprehensive analysis of Anglo-American PLC in the current economic landscape.

The asset classes that performed best in the recessionary cycle are unlikely to repeat their superior performance in the transition to the initial stages of accelerated growth.

The behaviour of the US equity market over the next quarter or so will baffle many investors and financial advisers, as it will appear to be disconnected from the US economy.