Tag: consumer confidence

We note the decision by the Minister of Finance to increase the fuel levy by 4% - 16 cents per litre for petrol and 15 cents for diesel. This increase will directly affect consumers. Transporters cannot absorb these additional costs without harming their bottom line and threatening business sustainability.

With inflationary pressures moderating and economic challenges persisting, monetary authorities will prioritise gradual rate cuts in 2025. This deliberate pace reflects a balance between stimulating economic growth and avoiding financial instability. For example, the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank may follow similar trajectories.

The introduction of the two-pot system, together with possible interest rate cuts, decent momentum in wages and lower inflation, could boost consumer confidence and drive an increase in spending in the months ahead. This is expected to be positive for domestic retailers, particularly discretionary names (clothing and furniture mainly).

We are pleased to share our second South Africa Economic Outlook report for 2023. In the wake of Budget 2023 and announced incentives for investment in solar power generation, this edition focuses on green incentives and their role in encouraging local businesses to invest in renewable electricity generation.

As countries realise that inflation is linked to the shortfalls of globalisation, the world may see more 'slowbalisation' and 'sticky inflation'. Slowbalisation occurs when countries start diversifying their supply from single to multiple trading partners, and local manufacturers.

The travel industry was delighted with the announcement that came through during the night and that will ensure some level of normality and confidence in the market that travel is open and easy. It will also certainly help to support the recovery of the sector.

Franchising has at its heart the spirit of entrepreneurship but amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in immeasurable destruction of small businesses, the question remains whether the entrepreneurial flame can be re-ignited for future growth.

With reports that more than half of companies around the world do not have effective business continuity plans in place to combat an infectious disease outbreak like COVID-19 and the virus starting to take a stronger foothold in South Africa, businesses must do more to prepare themselves for the repercussions this could have on operations.