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/ 12 May 2008

Inflation targeting likely to be reviewed

Inflation targeting is likely to be reviewed, because if South Africa’s policymakers only use interest rates as the tool to fight inflation, the country is in for a nasty generational learning experience as the policy will not be removing the cause of inflation, said Chris Hart, chief economist from Investment Solutions.

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/ 30 April 2008

Economists warn of tough times ahead

The increase in the retail price of petrol by 55 cents per litre will result in a ”period of anguish” for South African households, an economist said on Wednesday. Absa economist Chris Hart said the increase would cause food prices to rise and fuel inflation. Hart said the country was expecting a hike in electricity prices as well as an increase in the rate of taxes.

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/ 26 January 2008

Mines wake to power ‘nightmare’

The ”nightmare” of South Africa’s major gold, platinum and diamond mines shutting down because of power failures became a reality on Friday. ”Tens of millions of rands a day are being lost. It’s a nightmare,” said T-sec chief economist Mike Schussler. The JSE gold mining sub-sector closed almost 6% lower on Friday. The move contributed to the gold price rising.

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/ 18 January 2008

SA growth to slow to 4% in 2008, says economist

Chief economist of Citigroup in South Africa Jean Mercier says he expects a South African growth rate of 4% in 2008, but adds that it should start stabilising towards the second half of the year and then have a bit of a pick-up in 2009. He foresees growth of 4,5% in 2009, with it picking up towards the soccer World Cup in 2010.