The two main risks to South Africa’s rating outlook are the global recession and uncertainty about government policy after the elections.
The world’s top airlines warned on Thursday that soaring fuel prices were hitting profits, prompting some to increase fares, and global leader American Airlines announced thousands of job cuts to counter higher costs. Airline stocks fell sharply in Asia and Europe after stock in American’s parent AMR shed a quarter of their value as investors fretted over the cost of jet fuel.
Political and economic risks in South Africa are rising, Standard & Poor’s said but added that the country’s BBB+ sovereign credit rating remains safe for now. The ratings agency said divisions within the African National Congress (ANC) as well as its slowing economy were sources of concern, although the country was making progress in addressing its energy crisis.
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/ 7 February 2008
President Thabo Mbeki will strive to show he is still in charge of the country on Friday when he makes his first State of the Nation address since being ousted as leader of the ruling party in December. Jacob Zuma, front-runner to succeed Mbeki as head of state, has already begun to eclipse his rival through control of the party.