Despite sustained high interest rates, the US economy continues to outperform. The GDP growth estimate for 2024 was revised higher and is currently around 2.2%, up from 0.9% just six months ago. Although the upward revision was largely driven by the persistent strength of the US labour market, most parts of the US economy continue to record solid growth.
Against a backdrop of formidable economic challenges, SA’s Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, unveiled his third National Budget for 2024. Considering a landscape marked by high unemployment, weak confidence levels, and pressing infrastructure issues, the Minister navigated a complex fiscal terrain to address the country’s economic woes. With a cautious optimism for growth and a strategic focus on fiscal consolidation, the Budget sets the stage for critical discussions on sustainable economic recovery and long-term structural reforms in the nation.
This year’s medium term budget policy statement (MTBPS) was presented in a domestic environment of low economic growth.
The simple answer is yes. It would not be the first emerging market to do so. Globally, central banks have cut policy rates 52 times so far this year, mostly in developing and emerging markets, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Georgia, Belarus, Chile, Peru and Poland.
Markets and economies have proved resilient so far this year in the face of rising interest rates, and investors are hopeful Goldilocks is on her way back. This seems too good to be true…
Could the United States decide to impose sanctions on South Africa based on our ties with Russia?’
SA’s National Budget recognises the need to help households and Eskom while maintaining fiscal discipline.
In this webinar, Kevin Lings and Warren Buhai, share their views on what investors can expect in 2023 and beyond. They provide fresh ideas and unpack key macro themes and what these mean for markets and investors.
Minister Godongwana’s fiscal prudence likely to reassure investors
The unwelcome news about the probability of SA being greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in February 2023 should be of grave concern to an ordinary South African.
In this webinar, STANLIB’s Chief Economist, Kevin Lings, reflected on local and global economic challenges and shared his views on what the second half of 2022 could hold.
SA’s tourism industry represents a major growth opportunity, and the sector has the ability to add significant employment, given its high level of labour intensity.
