The BER, a proud economic research institute of Stellenbosch University

UPCOMING WEBINAR

Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab Webinar: Unbundling Eskom: the biggest risk is not unbundling. Join Dr Garth Greubel, BER Research Fellow, as he discusses the risks arising from the Eskom restructuring process and how they should be understood in the South African context. Remember to register for this event, even if you aren't able to attend live. The recording will be made available to registered delegates afterwards.

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THE BER IS RECRUITING

Are you a young economist passionate about data, coding and solving real-world economic problems? Join the BER at Stellenbosch University for a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in economic research, quantitative analysis and software development. You will get to work on meaningful projects alongside experienced economists, while learning everything from academic writing to deploying dashboards. Apply by 15 November 2026


From Brasília to Joburg: politics takes centre stage

Weekly Review | 30 October

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The seasonally adjusted Absa Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose by 4.9 points to 50.7 index points in September 2026, returning above the neutral 50-point mark after three consecutive months in contractionary territory. Encouragingly, the new sales orders index rebounded sharply and moved back above the neutral mark, while business activity recovered most of August’s steep decline.

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Business Confidence Index
Consumer Confidence Index
Purchasing Managers' Index
Building Confidence Index
Civil Confidence Index

The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index declined by three index points to 40 in 2026Q3. The activity index fell sharply again this quarter, also weighing on profitability.

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Economic Forecast

South Africa’s near-term outlook has weakened as higher fuel prices, renewed inflation pressure and tighter monetary policy weigh on activity. Household spending remains relatively resilient, but weak private investment and subdued job creation continue to constrain the recovery. The BER expects growth to improve only gradually through 2027 and 2028 as inflation moderates and interest rates begin to ease.

Read our latest economic forecast.

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The release calendar will be updated each quarter. Please note that these dates may change.

Wednesday
2 December 2026

RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI)

Monday
7 December 2026

FNB/BER Building Confidence Index

Wednesday
9 December 2026

Absa Manufacturing Survey

Thursday
10 December 2026

FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Tuesday
15 December 2026

Other Services Survey

Friday
11 December 2026

Retail Survey

Wednesday
6 January 2027

FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index

Tuesday
8 December 2026

Inflation Expectations Survey

Monday
14 December 2026

Building Cost Report (BCIS)

The first working day of each month

Absa PMI

The first working day of each month

Update

The first week of each month

Trends

Every Friday

BER Weekly

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The BER Economist Internship Programme provides practical training to appropriately qualified previously disadvantaged individuals. The programme equips trainees to function as economists in the private and/or the public sector.

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