November inflation ticks slightly higher to 5.2%

November inflation ticked up to 5.2%, according to data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday.

This is up from inflation of 5.1% recorded for October.

RMB Global Markets Research head Nema Ramkhelawan-Bhana expected inflation figures to be unchanged at 5.1%, due to “relatively stable” fuel prices.

The main contributors to inflation were alcoholic beverages and tobacco which increased to 4.8%, year-on-year, followed by miscellaneous goods and services which increased by 5.5% year-on-year.

On a month-on-month basis, November inflation increased by 0.2%. The main contributors to monthly inflation were food and non-alcoholic beverages, up 0.4% and transport up 0.6%.

In November inflation for goods increased by 5.3% year-on-year, from 5.1% in October, and the inflation for services was unchanged at 5.1% year-on-year, according to Stats SA.

Stats SA tweeted that fuel inflation is up 23.1% compared to a year ago.

#Fuel inflation up to 23,1% in November 2018 y/y #CPI November 2018=5,2% y/y https://t.co/q2DNOkde9i pic.twitter.com/d9sP1uYO6B

— Stats SA (@StatsSA) December 12, 2018

#Rooibos tea is 18,5% more expensive than it was a year ago. The average price of #Coffee beans, however, has dropped by 1,0% #StatsSA #CPI November 2018=5,2% y/y https://t.co/q2DNOkde9i pic.twitter.com/81E9CsGyr4

— Stats SA (@StatsSA) December 12, 2018

Retail sales data for October will be released at 13:00.
NKC analysts expect sales growth to accelerate to 2.5%, from 0.7% recorded in September.

US consumer inflation data will also be released later with expectations that it will decline to 2.2% from 2.5%, given weaker energy prices in November, according to NKC. — Fin 24