Tag: inflation

The concept of delayed gratification – resisting an immediate reward or temptation to receive a bigger or better reward later – is not a new one. However, modern life makes discipline harder than ever. We now live in a world shaped by on-demand convenience, algorithm-driven marketing, relentless social pressure and easy access to short-term credit. In this environment, ignoring fleeting trends becomes difficult.

South African bond markets rewarded fixed-income investors with exceptional calendar-year returns in both 2024 and 2025. The All Bond Index (ALBI) returned 17% and 24%, respectively. These returns significantly exceed the norm. Therefore, we anticipated moderating performance in 2026.

As we enter the second quarter of 2026, South Africa’s economy faces a critical test. SA’s hard-won recovery now confronts significant pressure. A global energy shock has triggered a sharp rise in living costs. Fuel prices continue to surge. Consequently, logistics-driven inflation now affects the entire consumer landscape.

While global geopolitical tensions may feel distant, their financial impact is hitting South Africans closer to home than many realise. From rising fuel prices to mounting inflationary pressure, experts warn consumers about what many now describe as the “unseen tax” on everyday living. In fact, geopolitics drives “unseen tax” in ways that quietly shape household expenses.

With a catastrophic, record-setting fuel increase on 1 April 2026, South Africans face significant pressure. In fact, many households are already bracing for the record fuel hike. This increase will extend far beyond the forecourt.

Geopolitics often feels distant. Many people see it as something that happens far away, involving borders or disputes over natural resources. These events usually take place on the other side of the world. However, the reality is far more personal for the average South African household. This is precisely why geopolitics matters to your pocket.

Medical aid contribution increases for 2026 are generally lower than the sharp hikes seen in 2025. This offers some relief to members after last year’s double-digit adjustments.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently signalled its intention to target the lower band of the 3% to 6% inflation range. Previously, the Bank adopted the mid-point of 4.5% as its formal objective in 2019. This shift shows a deliberate effort to anchor investor expectations closer to 3%. It may also reshape long-term assumptions about South African inflation as SARB focuses on targeting the lower inflation band.

There has been a noticeable shift in global trade. While it might feel distant, it is already knocking on South Africa’s door. Tariffs are climbing again, fast and hard. Our research shows that the average US tariff rate has risen from around 2.4 percent at the end of 2024 to 29 percent today. That is the highest level in over a century.

With the outsourcing space becoming increasingly cutthroat, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies find themselves trapped in a relentless race to the bottom. Aggressive pricing demands from clients and undercutting by low-cost competitors leave local operators with no choice but to sacrifice margins just to stay in the game.