reserve banklatest 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
A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.
MARKET ANALYSIS

The hawk circling the rand

A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.

  • Bianca Botes
7 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
Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Brent Crude oil prices remain elevated, putting October fuel prices in focus

Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Petrol prices will rise by R1.34 a litre and diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.
FUEL PRICE

Spring brings pain at the pumps as fuel prices increase for September

Petrol and diesel prices will rise from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and what they mean for consumers and businesses alike.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Could the strengthening rand lead to a repo rate cut?

The South African rand has shown unexpected strength, raising speculation about a potential reduction in the repo rate. This article explores the economic factors at play and…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
A sharp deterioration in US employment, persistent inflation and ongoing energy uncertainty are keeping global markets on edge, while the rand is benefiting from a weaker dollar and South Africa’s relatively high interest rates.
RESERVE BANK

US employment decline impacts global markets and central bank strategies

A sharp deterioration in US employment, persistent inflation and ongoing energy uncertainty are keeping global markets on edge, while the rand is benefiting from a weaker dollar…

  • Ashley Lechman
8 min read