Posted on 6/4/2025 7:23 AM By Dr Roelof Botha
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points at its May policy meeting, after stalling the rate-cutting cycle in March. This was the fourth rate cut since September last year, with the prime overdraft rate of the commercial banks now standing at 10.75%. Compared to the beginning of 2020 (just before the Covid-19 pandemic), the prime rate is still 75 basis points higher.
Posted on 5/8/2025 5:02 PM By Dr Roelof Botha
The results of the Altron FinTech Household Resilience Index (AFHRI) for the fourth quarter of 2024 confirm a modest improvement in the financial disposition of South African households, mainly due to three cuts of 25 basis points each in the repo rate between September 2024 and January 2025.
Posted on 4/5/2025 10:29 AM By Dr Roelof Botha
One would be embarking on a fool’s errand to try and gauge the full impact of the tensions within the government of national unity (GNU) and the 30% tariff slapped on South Africa by US President Donald Trump.
It is trite to waste time lamenting these extraordinary events and calm heads are now required by business leaders and the GNU to carefully plan a policy response.
Posted on 3/6/2025 4:18 PM By Dr Roelof Botha
Silver Linings
During the two weeks following the postponement of the budget, the rand exchange rate vs the US dollar strengthened by 1.2% and the country’s 10-year bond yield declined by 15 basis points - a clear confirmation of the positive undertone of this (non-) event. In fact, the commentary from business leaders was overwhelmingly positive, as it demonstrated the effectiveness of the government of national unity (GNU) in preserving truly democratic principles relating to the country’s fiscal affairs.
Posted on 2/11/2025 1:41 PM By Dr Roelof Botha
Silver Linings
The definition of expropriation remains a concern, but it is important to note that the new Expropriation Act's provisions are subject to the provisions of section 25 of the Constitution, which has not been amended. The latter section requires that compensation be just and equitable.