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Confidence in Other Services fell 3 points to 48 in 2026Q3, just below the long-run average. Business conditions and volumes dropped further, highlighting weak demand. However, the outlook for the next quarter looks brighter, thanks in part to seasonal boosts from the festive and tourism seasons.
Read MoreAfter crashing from -7 to -19 in the second quarter of 2026, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -13 in the third quarter, regaining some lost ground, but the outlook remains cloudy.
Read MoreThe increase in professional inflation expectations seen in the second quarter stabilised in the third quarter. Current-year expectations remained at 4.4%, while five-year expectations eased from 4.1% to 4.0%. Expectations for 2027 and 2028 edged lower to 4.0% and 3.8%, from 4.2% and 3.9% previously. Household inflation expectations declined sharply, reversing much of the increase recorded in the second quarter.
Read MoreThe FNB/BER Building Confidence Index gained two points to register a level of 40 in 2026Q3. Sentiment was supported by a marked increase in business confidence among hardware retailers and quantity surveyors. With respect to activity, however, the picture was mixed.
Read MoreThe BER’s Retail Survey shows business confidence amongst retailers more than reversed its second-quarter decline, rising by 9 points to 40% in the third quarter of 2026. Confidence is now back in line with its long-term average.
Read MoreThe RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) edged down by 1 point to 38 in the third quarter of 2026, little changed from the 39 recorded in the second quarter. The latest result suggests that the sharp eight-point decline in confidence recorded in the second quarter has neither deepened nor been reversed. Overall, business sentiment remains subdued, with firms still awaiting renewed impetus to lift confidence and activity.
Read MoreThe global energy shock, due to the war between the US and Iran, had a negative impact on the inflation expectations of all four social groups. For the professional groups, current-year expectations surged from 3.6% to 4.4%. Similarly, their five-year expectations increased from 3.6% to 4.1%. Household inflation expectations increased further following a marginal uptick in the first quarter; one-year expectations were measured at 6.0% (5.4% previously), while five-year expectations rose from 8.4% to 9.1%.
Read MoreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index was steady at 43 in 2026Q2. The effect of weaker activity growth and keener tendering price competition on sentiment this quarter was offset by stable overall profitability and somewhat better order books.
Read MoreConfidence in the Other Services sector declined by 4 points, reaching 51 in the second quarter of 2026 and one point above its long-term average. This decline in confidence coincided with deteriorating business conditions driven by rising geopolitical uncertainty and growing concerns about the domestic operating environment.
Read MoreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) dropped from a 15-month high of -7 in the first quarter of 2026 to -19 in the second quarter. The 12-point decline in consumer confidence indicates a notable reduction in consumers' willingness to spend as higher domestic fuel costs weighed on household budgets, particularly the high- and middle-income groups. These dynamics are likely to lead to a quarter-on-quarter contraction in real consumer spending during the second quarter of 2026, with discretionary spending expected to face substantial downward pressure.
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