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/ 16 November 2010

Consumer confidence remains positive

Consumer confidence is positive for the fourth quarter of the year, according to the First National Bank/Bureau for Economic Research consumer confidence index released on Tuesday. “This has been the case throughout 2010, by itself rather unusual for an economy barely out of recession and at a time of much global turmoil,” said Cees Bruggemans, […]

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/ 12 March 2008

Business confidence falls to seven-year low

South Africa’s business confidence fell sharply to a seven-year low in the first quarter of 2008, as the sector fretted about an uncertain economic and political outlook, a survey released on Wednesday found. The Business Confidence Index, sponsored by Rand Merchant and the Bureau for Economic Research, fell by 19 index points to 48.

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/ 13 February 2008

Power cuts take toll on mines, factories

Manufacturing slowed in December and mining output also fell, official data showed, fanning concern the economy’s two main power consumers will suffer from electricity constraints this year. At the same time, the Bureau for Economic Research warned that power shortages may trim the pace of economic growth to 3,4% this year.

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/ 4 February 2008

Energy crunch could cut economic growth

South Africa’s power crisis may already have damaged economic growth, even though the country’s mines have bounced back after electricity shortages brought production to a halt. The longer it takes Eskom to boost energy output for industry, the greater the chances that 2007 could have marked the end to four years of brisk economic growth.

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/ 6 December 2007

Inflation expectations tick up slightly

After a substantial increase during the third quarter, inflation expectations only ticked up slightly during the fourth quarter, according to the latest <i>BER Inflation Expectation Survey</i>. CPIX inflation expectations are now expected to average 6% (previously 5,9%) during 2007, 5,9% (5,8%) during 2008 and 5,6% (unchanged) during 2009.

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/ 19 September 2007

Confidence levels of retailers decline

The confidence levels of retailers declined during the third quarter of 2007, according to the latest Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Retail Survey. The BER’s retailer confidence index dipped from a record high of 91 index points in the second quarter of 2007 to a level of 84 during the third quarter.