Government dithers as outlook dims

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

While politicians focus on secret deals, key posts go unfilled, crisis warnings are ignored, and corruption rules at all levels.

Brics plans allow SA to punch above its weight

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

South Africa prides itself on punching above its weight in the international arena. One measure of the disparity between the country and the global players it interacts ...

‘Gordhan did sterling job’

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

While the minister’s speech was overtly electioneering ahead of the polls, an expert said the numbers were not.

Growth forecasts ‘too high or too low’

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Economists are divided on the credibility of the growth forecasts made in Pravin Gordhan’s Budget.

Sound financial planning unbroken since 1994

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

A golden thread of sound financial planning has run through the 20 national Budgets since the transition to democracy in April 1994.

Economists weigh in on Marcus’s announcement

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

SA is now officially at the start of a gradual rate tightening cycle that may last three to four years, according to Paul Stewart of Grindrod Asset Management.

Mandela set SA on a pragmatic path

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

In February 1992, Nelson Mandela made a pivotal decision on the type of economic policy the ANC would promote.

Rand slides as current account gap grows

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

The rand tumbled on Tuesday on news that the gap between income from exports of goods and services and the country’s import bill widened sharply to 6. 8 percent ...

SA’s trade data healthier after BLNS inclusion

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

South Africa’s trade data looked much healthier on Friday after the SA Revenue Service (Sars) added more detailed information to its month-end report – but the figures ...

Credit data show no recovery yet in sluggish economy

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Credit data from the Reserve Bank on Friday confirmed that the sluggish domestic economy is showing no sign of an early recovery.

Strikes rein in SA’s economic growth

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Strikes in the third quarter contributed to a contraction in South Africa’s economic growth.

MPC sidelines rate increase, saying timing is not right

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Rate hikes are on the table, according to Reserve Bank governor Gill Marcus.

Trade deficit of R19bn still dangerously wide

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

The gap between South Africa’s revenue from exports and the cost of its imports remained alarmingly high in September.

First-half fiscal balances show budget forecast is on track

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

The latest data on state income and spending, released on Wednesday, showed that government revenue remained “elevated” and expenditure “sufficiently subdued” in ...

China exposure a risk for Africa

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

China’s investment in its own economy has boosted sub-Saharan Africa’s exports over the past 15 years, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Growth down in unsecured loans to households, says Reserve Bank

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Growth in unsecured lending to households declined from last year’s highs of 30 percent year on year to 18 percent last month, Annabel Bishop, the chief economist ...

Reserve Bank warns on ratings

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Another rating downgrade could have serious implications for South Africa, says the Reserve Bank.

Leaders call for action on union

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

African leaders must move from talk shops about economic integration on the continent to implementing agreements on integration.

SA improving, but can do more - Moody’s

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Moody's has given South Africa a gentle pat on the back after Pravin Gordhan's mini-budget.

Petrol price relief for motorists

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

SA motorists will get further relief on petrol prices when the Department of Energy announces its monthly adjustment.

Reuss adds to view that irked Gordhan

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

The Treasury has a good track record for sticking to its expenditure plans, according to Standard & Poor’s South African head Konrad Reuss.

For the record

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Business Report incorrectly reported yesterday that rating agency Moody’s Investors Service has South Africa on an A3 rating.

Heavy tax burden rests on SA individuals

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

The latest tax statistics from Sars and the Treasury show which South Africans feel the biggest pinch.

SA faces rating downgrade - Citi

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Economist Gina Schoeman warns of a possible downgrade from Moody's ahead of SA's medium-term budget statement.

Africa in danger of market bubble

Ethel Hazelhurst|Published

Africa may be the next emerging market bubble, according to David Cowan, an Africa economist at Citi.