Tag: lending rate

Consumers in South Africa are under immense pressure with a cascade of bad news resulting in increased prices at the till. Producer Price Inflation continues to rise, with the latest figures showing an increase from August’s 4.3% to 5.1% in September: things are going to keep becoming more expensive following higher fuel prices, a high lending rate to try to keep inflation in check and a weak, volatile Rand. Despite this, retailers have to sell goods and consumers need to buy goods.

While many factors indicated the possibility of a rate hike, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB)’s decision to hold their key lending rate provides some relief after a challenging year.

For banks, disruption has become business as usual. Besides the ever-changing customer expectations, banks are under pressure to defend their market share against increased competition and the digitisation of the financial services landscape by neo-banks and FinTechs.

Several advantages make owning commercial or business property a viable prospect for small businesses. These include the benefit of asset appreciation, enjoying full control over interior design and renovations, security of tenure and avoiding above-inflation rent hikes.

The South African Reserve Bank increased the repo rate by 50 basis points to 4.75%, after it was previously agreed at 25bps during the May policy meeting due to the declining Rand exchange, consumers are in for a tough time. When the repo rate goes up, the lending rate goes up and the consumers' pockets are affected.

In the world of low interest rates, Inflation Linked Bonds (ILB) offer a compelling proposition for money market funds. The millions of articles written about the impact of COVID-19 can’t begin to do justice to the damage wrought to individuals, society, and the economy.

Considering that South Africa won’t see the full roll-out of a COVID-19 vaccine until later this year, and is still reeling from the first and second COVID-19 wave, one might assume that now is not an opportune time to consider starting a new business venture.

Applying for a home loan is the most important step on the home buying journey, but many first-time applicants are in the dark about what the banks – the institutions with the power to approve these home loans are looking for. The process is relatively straightforward, provided you have all your financial affairs in order.

The South African Reserve Bank’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at a record low of 3.5% and prime lending rate at 7% eases pressure on the ailing economy and debt burden for businesses and consumers.  This will help to support SMEs who continue to struggle financially due to the persistent impact of COVID-19, while trying to recover as quickly as possible.

Following the South African Reserve Bank’s (SARB) decision to cut its lending rate by 0.25%, we will be reducing our prime lending rate to 7% from 7.25% with effect from Friday 24 July. The recent FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index revealed an alarming but understandable slump in confidence, which has not been seen since 1985.