The BER, a proud economic research institute of Stellenbosch University

BER launches new data Playground

New Website Feature: The BER is excited to launch, in beta version, the “BER data playground”. This feature allows users to view, track and compare various datasets from Stats SA and the SARB. Although this is a beta version, it provides quick and easy access to key economic data and statistics in one, centralised, place.

BER launches new Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab

South Africa needs economic growth. The BER is launching the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab, a new independent hub for analytical research capacity to support economic reform. Impumelelo (“success”) will work closely with government, business and broader society to unlock economic growth.

BER celebrates 80 years of excellence

The Bureau for Economic Research’s highly respected economic analysis and forecasting services have made it a household name in SA and an invaluable partner to both business and government.


Big week for SA ahead with GDP, consumer sentiment and PMI data expected

BER Weekly | 29 November

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The Absa PMI declined to 48.1 index points in November, down from 52.6 in October. This points to some loss of momentum in the recovery seen over the last two months. However, the PMI (and official data) has been volatile this year, so this is not unexpected.

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

Following unchanged confidence in Q3, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey showed that business confidence in the factory sector gained 8 points to reach a level of 36 in 2024Q4. This is the highest confidence level since 2022Q1; it is the first time in almost three years that confidence is above 30 points.

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Economic Forecast

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
20 November 2024

RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI)

Monday
25 November 2024

FNB/BER Building Confidence Index

Wednesday
27 November 2024

Absa Manufacturing Survey

Wednesday
4 December 2024

FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Thursday
5 December 2024

Other Services Survey

Monday
9 December 2024

Retail Survey

Thursday
12 December 2024

FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index

Thursday
12 December 2024

Inflation Expectations Survey

Thursday
9 January 2025

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

In this report we review recent trends in the SA building industry, together with the input costs and the tender prices of building contractors, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index. This unique index is based on accepted building tenders. The report ends with a presentation of the relevant data and forecasts.

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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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