interest rate impactlatest news & developments
With consumer debt, fuel costs and household expenses rising, financial experts warn that the latest repo rate increase could further weaken disposable income and increase financial distress.
RESERVE BANK

Higher repo rate adds to pressure on South African households ahead of festive season

With consumer debt, fuel costs and household expenses rising, financial experts warn that the latest repo rate increase could further weaken disposable income and increase…

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
LESETJA
Video

Watch: Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announces September interest-rate decision

SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago is due to announce the MPC’s September decision on South Africa’s 7% policy rate, after economists differed over a 25-basis-point hike or a hold.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households, property owners and the economic recovery.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Property sector urges SA Reserve Bank to hold repo rate and protect fragile economic recovery

Seeff Property Group chairman Samuel Seeff says the Reserve Bank should hold the repo rate this week, warning that another increase would put further pressure on households,…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Economists say interest rates are likely to rise.
LESETJA KGANYAGO

How much could the Reserve Bank raise rates this week? Economists weigh in

The Fed has raised rates, fuel prices are climbing and the rand is under pressure. What will the Reserve Bank do?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. File picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi
INTEREST RATE

Brace yourself, South Africa: a rate hike could be on the cards this week

Economists unpack the forces that could shape the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
Economists are split over whether the South African Reserve Bank will raise rates as higher oil prices threaten to reverse recent progress on inflation.
FEDERAL RESERVE

Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, complicating South Africa’s rate outlook

The Fed has made its move. Now economists are watching South Africa — and what happens next could matter far beyond interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
South Africa’s inflation rate fell sharply to 4.3% in July, but rising oil prices and higher fuel costs could push inflation higher again in the months ahead.
INFLATION

South Africa inflation outlook in focus as oil prices put pressure on September rate decision

South Africa’s inflation eased to 4.3% in July, but higher oil and fuel prices could slow further progress ahead of the Reserve Bank’s September interest-rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed Brent crude above $90 a barrel.
KEVIN WARSH

Rand weakens as Fed rate-hike fears and Iran conflict weigh on markets

Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.
LOAN MARKET

South Africans turning to loan sharks as cost of living crisis deepens

A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read