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.
SARB
Judgment adds to uncertainty over crypto’s exchange control status
The High Court backs the SARB’s position that moving Bitcoin to foreign exchanges can amount to an unlawful export of capital.
Crypto payment-type activity may fall under FAIS, say regulators
Crypto assets fall outside the NPS Act, but intermediary-led payment-type activity involving crypto may still trigger a licensing requirement.
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.
National Treasury defends draft capital flow regulations
Treasury and the SARB say the proposals are not intended to criminalise crypto possession and have extended the deadline to comment.
‘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.
Commentators flag key uncertainties in draft exchange control proposals
Exchanges say the draft could affect routine crypto use, while one legal analysis questions whether the framework is truly more permissive.
SARB revises near-term inflation higher, shifts rate bias amid oil shock
Baseline inflation is seen peaking at 4% in Q2, with scenario analysis pointing to possible rate hikes if second-round effects emerge.
New regulations will bring crypto into exchange control framework
National Treasury releases the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations to replace the Exchange Control Regulations.
Ithala pulled back from the edge, but its future remains in doubt
The Prudential Authority has withdrawn its liquidation bid after progress on depositor repayments, but Ithala is still unlicensed and cannot resume deposit-taking.
SARB finalises Budget-linked exchange control reforms
The final circulars implement the March proposals, with only targeted technical refinements following the consultation process.
How your investments fared in a volatile first quarter
A sharp market sell-off triggered by the Middle East conflict dented first-quarter returns, but local shares, bonds and property still posted strong 12-month gains.
Gambling figures mislead: SARB clarifies household spending trends
The Reserve Bank distinguishes between betting activity and losses, highlighting strong growth in online gambling but limited impact on overall household consumption.
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 releases draft exchange control circulars implementing Budget reforms
The proposed changes include higher discretionary allowances, adjustments to cross-border payment limits, and administrative reforms affecting authorised dealers.
