S.Africa inflation drops for second consecutive month

S.Africa inflation drops for second consecutive month

The monthly inflation rate in South Africa eased again in December, dropping 0.4 percentage points to 5.1 percent as food price hikes slowed, official data showed Wednesday. The average inflation rate for 2023 was 6.0 percent, 0.9 percentage points lower in 2022 and matching the upper limit of the central bank's official target range, national statistics agency StatsSA said. "Inflation was relatively hot in the first five months of 2023 […]

January 24, 2024 24

Business / Economics

ECB to signal no rush to cut interest rates

European Central Bank policymakers are expected to keep interest rates steady on Thursday and signal they are in no hurry to start slashing borrowing costs despite progress against inflation. The Frankfurt institute is tipped to pause for the third meeting in a row following a historic run of hikes to tame runaway prices, leaving the benchmark deposit rate at four percent. ECB president Christine Lagarde said last week rates had […]

January 22, 2024 9

Business / Economics

Needing to borrow money? Four tips on what’s okay and what’s not

By Bomikazi Zeka, University of Canberra It’s a financially challenging time for most households. With interest rates rising, many are spending even more money on debt repayments or taking out loans to help make ends meet. A report released recently in South Africa, compiled by one of the country’s biggest banks, found that 42% of South Africans, across various income levels, cannot manage their debt. This indebtedness has caused […]

December 14, 2023 8

Business / Economics

Stocks track record day on Wall St, dollar extends losses

Equity markets rallied Thursday and the dollar extended losses after the US Federal Reserve indicated it would begin cutting interest rates next year. The surge across the region tracked a record-breaking day on Wall Street, where traders cheered a much-sought-after dovish pivot from the central bank as US inflation comes down. After more than a year of hiking, decision-makers at their last meeting of the year acknowledged that they […]

December 14, 2023 4

Local

The Namibian financial system remains stable, sound, and resilient amidst a challenging global and domestic economic environment

The Macroprudential Oversight Committee (MOC)1 of the Bank of Namibia (the Bank) held its second and last meeting of the year on the 07th of December 2023, to assess potential risks and vulnerabilities in the Namibian Financial System. Following a comprehensive assessment of domestic and global economic conditions, the Committee deemed the domestic financial system as stable, sound, and resilient. This is despite increasing risks and vulnerabilities stemming from […]

December 12, 2023 8

Business / Economics

Bank of Namibia maintains repo rate at 7.75%

The Bank of Namibia has decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 7.75 percent, resulting in the prime lending rate remaining stable at 11.50 percent. Here is Governor Johannes !Gawaxab addressing the decision. The next meeting of the MPC will be held on 12 and 13 February 2024.

December 6, 2023 34

Local

Agra annual general meeting highlights resilience amid challenges, records 22.8% increase in profit

The Agra Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held on Friday, 24 November 2023 at the Agra/ Bank Windhoek Ring. The meeting was attended by Agra shareholders, the Agra Board of Directors and Management. Mr. Ryno van der Merwe, Chairman of the Board, acclaimed the past year as another remarkable financial success for the company. Mr. Van Der Merwe acknowledged the challenges faced particularly in production, the economy and the environment. […]

November 27, 2023 18

Business / Economics

South Africa’s consumer inflation increases to 5.9-percent in October

South Africa’s annual consumer inflation increased for a third consecutive month in October, bordering on the upper limit of the South African Reserve Bank’s inflation target range. The headline rate was 5.9 percent, up from 5.4 percent in September. The consensus among economists before the inflation number was that the Reserve Bank will keep rates on hold when it announces its decision tomorrow.

November 22, 2023 6