Economic information that works for you Media & eventsRelease calendarEventsPress Releases (Archive) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q4, press release Date Uploaded: Nov 23 2022 12:00PM After dipping from 42 to 39 in the third quarter, the RMB/BER business confidence index (BCI) slipped to 38 in the final quarter of 2022. A rebound in building confidence made up for the first significant falls in wholesale and retail confidence since the read moreAfter dipping from 42 to 39 in the third quarter, the RMB/BER business confidence index (BCI) slipped to 38 in the final quarter of 2022. A rebound in building confidence made up for the first significant falls in wholesale and retail confidence since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Escalating load-shedding could easily have dashed business confidence in the fourth quarter. The fact that the RMB/BER BCI essentially remained unchanged indicates the presence of some underlying resilience as well as countervailing forces at work. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 29 2022 10:45AM After moving marginally higher to 10 in 2022Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased further to 24 in 2022Q3, a level last reached in 2020Q1. Despite the improvement in sentiment, the current index level means that more than seventy-five per cent of read moreAfter moving marginally higher to 10 in 2022Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased further to 24 in 2022Q3, a level last reached in 2020Q1. Despite the improvement in sentiment, the current index level means that more than seventy-five per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 28 2022 9:00AM During the third quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), kept up with input costs. Other services survey results 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2022 10:00AM Confidence in the other services sector essentially remained static (at 53 compared to 52 previously) in the third quarter. In terms of the four sub-sectors making up the total, activity in the hospitality sector continued to pose the highest (year-on-year) read moreConfidence in the other services sector essentially remained static (at 53 compared to 52 previously) in the third quarter. In terms of the four sub-sectors making up the total, activity in the hospitality sector continued to pose the highest (year-on-year) growth. Growth in activity in the important business services sub-sector (which contributes 45% to the total) and real estate came off the boil. Transport activity, in contrast, re-bounded. GDP growth in the third quarter is likely to benefit from the continuing recovery of the other services sector. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 22 2022 3:00PM During the third quarter, respondents, on average, expected inflation to accelerate to 6.5% this year and then moderate to 5.9% next year and further to 5.3% in 2024. In terms of the different social groups, analysts revised their expectations for 2023 read moreDuring the third quarter, respondents, on average, expected inflation to accelerate to 6.5% this year and then moderate to 5.9% next year and further to 5.3% in 2024. In terms of the different social groups, analysts revised their expectations for 2023 upwards by 0.5% pts, while business people and trade unionists made more modest upward adjustments of 0.2% pts and 0.1% pt respectively. Retail survey results 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 20 2022 9:00AM Retail confidence has proven surprisingly resilient despite the effect of high inflation and rising interest rates on the disposable income of consumers. The 2022Q3 BER Retail Survey shows that although general business conditions are down relative to Q3 last read moreRetail confidence has proven surprisingly resilient despite the effect of high inflation and rising interest rates on the disposable income of consumers. The 2022Q3 BER Retail Survey shows that although general business conditions are down relative to Q3 last year, confidence levels have remained elevated and above the long-term average. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 13 2022 9:00AM Building confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained unchanged at 34 in 2022Q3. During the quarter, main contractors saw sentiment decline by 17 points, followed by building material manufacturers (-12) and quantity surveyors read moreBuilding confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained unchanged at 34 in 2022Q3. During the quarter, main contractors saw sentiment decline by 17 points, followed by building material manufacturers (-12) and quantity surveyors (-4). The downbeat sentiment of main contractors was due to a drop in confidence among residential builders. Meanwhile, the mood among non-residential builders improved significantly in 2022Q3 on the back of markedly better activity and somewhat better profitability. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 8 2022 10:00AM After plunging from -13 to -25 during the second quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) clawed back 5 index points to reach -20 in the third quarter. Consumer sentiment remains extremely depressed and signals a substantial deceleration read moreAfter plunging from -13 to -25 during the second quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) clawed back 5 index points to reach -20 in the third quarter. Consumer sentiment remains extremely depressed and signals a substantial deceleration in real consumer spending growth relative to the robust rates recorded at the start of the year. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 7 2022 12:00PM The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) eased slightly further from 42 to 39 in the third quarter. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained comparatively high, while a notable improvement in sentiment among new vehicle dealers partly offset a read moreThe RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) eased slightly further from 42 to 39 in the third quarter. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained comparatively high, while a notable improvement in sentiment among new vehicle dealers partly offset a 17-point deterioration in building confidence. The manufacturing BCI remained at a low level. While the third quarter drop in the RMB/BER BCI is disappointing, the other survey results indicate that another outright (quarter-on-quarter) contraction in real GDP is unlikely. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jul 21 2022 3:00PM The average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased by 0.9 percentage points (% pts) for 2022, by 0.6% pts for 2023 and by 0.4% pts for 2024 since the previous survey. Respondents expect inflation to accelerate to 6.0% read moreThe average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased by 0.9 percentage points (% pts) for 2022, by 0.6% pts for 2023 and by 0.4% pts for 2024 since the previous survey. Respondents expect inflation to accelerate to 6.0% this year but then to moderate to 5.6% and 5.4% during the subsequent two years. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 30 2022 9:00AM Sentiment among contractors in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, remained low at 10 in 2022Q2, from 9 in 2022Q1. The current index level means that ninety per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing read moreSentiment among contractors in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, remained low at 10 in 2022Q2, from 9 in 2022Q1. The current index level means that ninety per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Underpinning the still low confidence was poorer construction activity. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 29 2022 12:15PM The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -25 in the second quarter of 2022, from -13 in the first quarter of the year. Bar the CCI reading of -33 in the second quarter of 2020, the current reading is the lowest in three decades and signals a read moreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -25 in the second quarter of 2022, from -13 in the first quarter of the year. Bar the CCI reading of -33 in the second quarter of 2020, the current reading is the lowest in three decades and signals a marked slowdown in consumer spending in coming months. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 28 2022 9:00AM During the second quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), rose at the fastest pace in more than seven years (by more than 15%). Other services survey results 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 27 2022 10:00AM Confidence in the other services sector rebounded to 52 in the second quarter. Activity expanded strongly in the hospitality sector for the third quarter in a row but weakened considerably in the transport sector. After a very strong first quarter, real read moreConfidence in the other services sector rebounded to 52 in the second quarter. Activity expanded strongly in the hospitality sector for the third quarter in a row but weakened considerably in the transport sector. After a very strong first quarter, real estate activity drifted down in the second quarter. Activity in the crucial business services sector at long last staged a recovery. GDP growth in the second quarter is likely to benefit from the delayed recovery of the other services sector. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 22 2022 9:00AM Building sector confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, declined to 34, from 40 in 2022Q1. By far the biggest drag on confidence was the building material manufacturing sector where confidence fell by 43 index points to only 12. This read moreBuilding sector confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, declined to 34, from 40 in 2022Q1. By far the biggest drag on confidence was the building material manufacturing sector where confidence fell by 43 index points to only 12. This was partially offset by a 21-point jump in main contractor confidence. On a more positive note, confidence in the “core” building sector (excluding building material manufacturers and hardware retailers) increased to 35, from 31 in 2022Q1. Retail survey results 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 21 2022 1:00PM With rising interest rates and inflation sitting at the top of the SARB’s target range, the results from this quarter’s BER Retail Survey surprised on the upside. Retailer confidence remained at an elevated level of 49% (above the long-term average of 40%). read moreWith rising interest rates and inflation sitting at the top of the SARB’s target range, the results from this quarter’s BER Retail Survey surprised on the upside. Retailer confidence remained at an elevated level of 49% (above the long-term average of 40%). RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 8 2022 1:45PM The RMB/BER BCI declined from 46 to 42 in the second quarter. Although manufacturers and new vehicle dealers experienced a sharp deterioration in sentiment, building contractors turned decisively more upbeat. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers read moreThe RMB/BER BCI declined from 46 to 42 in the second quarter. Although manufacturers and new vehicle dealers experienced a sharp deterioration in sentiment, building contractors turned decisively more upbeat. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained largely unchanged at relatively high levels. 2021 NDP Assessment Report, press release Date Uploaded: Apr 7 2022 12:00PM At the end of 2021, the BER in collaboration with its partners completed the annual Assessment Report of South Africa’s progress towards its development objectives. It was shared with Cabinet in November last year and the BER is now able to distribute the read moreAt the end of 2021, the BER in collaboration with its partners completed the annual Assessment Report of South Africa’s progress towards its development objectives. It was shared with Cabinet in November last year and the BER is now able to distribute the document more widely. The Report demonstrates the extent of the damaged caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but some indicators also suggest reason for optimism. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 31 2022 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index declined to 9, from 15 in 2021Q4. Overall, a stabilisation in activity growth and an expectation that activity will improve further next quarter was unable to offset concerns about the slow pace at which project tenders are read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index declined to 9, from 15 in 2021Q4. Overall, a stabilisation in activity growth and an expectation that activity will improve further next quarter was unable to offset concerns about the slow pace at which project tenders are adjudicated and awarded. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 29 2022 9:00AM During the fourth quarter of 2021, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), accelerated by a revised 5.9%. Preliminary data for 2022Q1, however, shows a marked slowdown in the BER BCI. read moreDuring the fourth quarter of 2021, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), accelerated by a revised 5.9%. Preliminary data for 2022Q1, however, shows a marked slowdown in the BER BCI. Other services survey results 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 28 2022 10:00AM Despite the decline in business confidence, business volumes improved noticeably across all sub-sectors relative to the fourth quarter. The increase in activity in hotels and restaurants was particularly strong. Freight transport services continued to read moreDespite the decline in business confidence, business volumes improved noticeably across all sub-sectors relative to the fourth quarter. The increase in activity in hotels and restaurants was particularly strong. Freight transport services continued to recover. The absence of international tourists kept on hampering passenger transport services. Real estate agents saw interest from buyers returned, but property management continued to struggle. The crucial business services sector recovered strongly once more in the first quarter. The further considerable improvement in activity in the other services sector bodes well for the GDP growth rate in the first quarter. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 24 2022 3:00PM In the first quarter of 2022, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions rose to 5.1% (4.8% previously) in 2022 and 5.0% (4.7% previously) in 2023. Average five-year inflation expectations edged up from 4.7% to 5.0%. read moreIn the first quarter of 2022, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions rose to 5.1% (4.8% previously) in 2022 and 5.0% (4.7% previously) in 2023. Average five-year inflation expectations edged up from 4.7% to 5.0%. Household inflation expectations during the next 12 months bounced back from 5.2% to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2022. Retail survey results 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 23 2022 10:00AM Retailer confidence declined marginally from 52 to 49 in the first quarter of 2022. However, the BER’s survey shows that retailer confidence remains 10 index points above its long-term average. While overall volume growth eased, rapidly rising selling prices read moreRetailer confidence declined marginally from 52 to 49 in the first quarter of 2022. However, the BER’s survey shows that retailer confidence remains 10 index points above its long-term average. While overall volume growth eased, rapidly rising selling prices buoyed profitability and underpinned retailer confidence. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 17 2022 10:00AM The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined from -9 to -13 index points during the first quarter of 2022. The slump in the CCI during the first quarter of 2022 can be ascribed to marked declines in the economic outlook and household financial read moreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined from -9 to -13 index points during the first quarter of 2022. The slump in the CCI during the first quarter of 2022 can be ascribed to marked declines in the economic outlook and household financial position sub-indices of the CCI. Confidence levels of high-income households declined sharply, while the confidence level of middle-income households sagged. Low-income confidence further extended its recovery. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 15 2022 9:00AM After slipping to 34 in 2021Q4, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rose to 40 in 2022Q1. Although this is a four-year high, most of the improvement in the business mood came from building material manufacturers and building sub-contractors. read moreAfter slipping to 34 in 2021Q4, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rose to 40 in 2022Q1. Although this is a four-year high, most of the improvement in the business mood came from building material manufacturers and building sub-contractors. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 9 2022 12:00PM After remaining unchanged at 43 points in the fourth quarter of 2021, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) increased to 46 in the first quarter of 2022. The improvement in sentiment points to the economic recovery, temporarily interrupted in the third read moreAfter remaining unchanged at 43 points in the fourth quarter of 2021, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) increased to 46 in the first quarter of 2022. The improvement in sentiment points to the economic recovery, temporarily interrupted in the third quarter of last year, having continued into 2022. Unfortunately, the stagflationary shock brought about by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine has now triggered a significant degree of uncertainty around global, and by implication, SA’s GDP growth prospects.
(Archive) 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q4, press release Date Uploaded: Nov 23 2022 12:00PM After dipping from 42 to 39 in the third quarter, the RMB/BER business confidence index (BCI) slipped to 38 in the final quarter of 2022. A rebound in building confidence made up for the first significant falls in wholesale and retail confidence since the read moreAfter dipping from 42 to 39 in the third quarter, the RMB/BER business confidence index (BCI) slipped to 38 in the final quarter of 2022. A rebound in building confidence made up for the first significant falls in wholesale and retail confidence since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Escalating load-shedding could easily have dashed business confidence in the fourth quarter. The fact that the RMB/BER BCI essentially remained unchanged indicates the presence of some underlying resilience as well as countervailing forces at work. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 29 2022 10:45AM After moving marginally higher to 10 in 2022Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased further to 24 in 2022Q3, a level last reached in 2020Q1. Despite the improvement in sentiment, the current index level means that more than seventy-five per cent of read moreAfter moving marginally higher to 10 in 2022Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased further to 24 in 2022Q3, a level last reached in 2020Q1. Despite the improvement in sentiment, the current index level means that more than seventy-five per cent of respondents were dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 28 2022 9:00AM During the third quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), kept up with input costs. Other services survey results 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2022 10:00AM Confidence in the other services sector essentially remained static (at 53 compared to 52 previously) in the third quarter. In terms of the four sub-sectors making up the total, activity in the hospitality sector continued to pose the highest (year-on-year) read moreConfidence in the other services sector essentially remained static (at 53 compared to 52 previously) in the third quarter. In terms of the four sub-sectors making up the total, activity in the hospitality sector continued to pose the highest (year-on-year) growth. Growth in activity in the important business services sub-sector (which contributes 45% to the total) and real estate came off the boil. Transport activity, in contrast, re-bounded. GDP growth in the third quarter is likely to benefit from the continuing recovery of the other services sector. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 22 2022 3:00PM During the third quarter, respondents, on average, expected inflation to accelerate to 6.5% this year and then moderate to 5.9% next year and further to 5.3% in 2024. In terms of the different social groups, analysts revised their expectations for 2023 read moreDuring the third quarter, respondents, on average, expected inflation to accelerate to 6.5% this year and then moderate to 5.9% next year and further to 5.3% in 2024. In terms of the different social groups, analysts revised their expectations for 2023 upwards by 0.5% pts, while business people and trade unionists made more modest upward adjustments of 0.2% pts and 0.1% pt respectively. Retail survey results 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 20 2022 9:00AM Retail confidence has proven surprisingly resilient despite the effect of high inflation and rising interest rates on the disposable income of consumers. The 2022Q3 BER Retail Survey shows that although general business conditions are down relative to Q3 last read moreRetail confidence has proven surprisingly resilient despite the effect of high inflation and rising interest rates on the disposable income of consumers. The 2022Q3 BER Retail Survey shows that although general business conditions are down relative to Q3 last year, confidence levels have remained elevated and above the long-term average. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 13 2022 9:00AM Building confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained unchanged at 34 in 2022Q3. During the quarter, main contractors saw sentiment decline by 17 points, followed by building material manufacturers (-12) and quantity surveyors read moreBuilding confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained unchanged at 34 in 2022Q3. During the quarter, main contractors saw sentiment decline by 17 points, followed by building material manufacturers (-12) and quantity surveyors (-4). The downbeat sentiment of main contractors was due to a drop in confidence among residential builders. Meanwhile, the mood among non-residential builders improved significantly in 2022Q3 on the back of markedly better activity and somewhat better profitability. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 8 2022 10:00AM After plunging from -13 to -25 during the second quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) clawed back 5 index points to reach -20 in the third quarter. Consumer sentiment remains extremely depressed and signals a substantial deceleration read moreAfter plunging from -13 to -25 during the second quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) clawed back 5 index points to reach -20 in the third quarter. Consumer sentiment remains extremely depressed and signals a substantial deceleration in real consumer spending growth relative to the robust rates recorded at the start of the year. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 7 2022 12:00PM The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) eased slightly further from 42 to 39 in the third quarter. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained comparatively high, while a notable improvement in sentiment among new vehicle dealers partly offset a read moreThe RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) eased slightly further from 42 to 39 in the third quarter. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained comparatively high, while a notable improvement in sentiment among new vehicle dealers partly offset a 17-point deterioration in building confidence. The manufacturing BCI remained at a low level. While the third quarter drop in the RMB/BER BCI is disappointing, the other survey results indicate that another outright (quarter-on-quarter) contraction in real GDP is unlikely. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jul 21 2022 3:00PM The average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased by 0.9 percentage points (% pts) for 2022, by 0.6% pts for 2023 and by 0.4% pts for 2024 since the previous survey. Respondents expect inflation to accelerate to 6.0% read moreThe average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased by 0.9 percentage points (% pts) for 2022, by 0.6% pts for 2023 and by 0.4% pts for 2024 since the previous survey. Respondents expect inflation to accelerate to 6.0% this year but then to moderate to 5.6% and 5.4% during the subsequent two years. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 30 2022 9:00AM Sentiment among contractors in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, remained low at 10 in 2022Q2, from 9 in 2022Q1. The current index level means that ninety per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing read moreSentiment among contractors in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, remained low at 10 in 2022Q2, from 9 in 2022Q1. The current index level means that ninety per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Underpinning the still low confidence was poorer construction activity. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 29 2022 12:15PM The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -25 in the second quarter of 2022, from -13 in the first quarter of the year. Bar the CCI reading of -33 in the second quarter of 2020, the current reading is the lowest in three decades and signals a read moreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -25 in the second quarter of 2022, from -13 in the first quarter of the year. Bar the CCI reading of -33 in the second quarter of 2020, the current reading is the lowest in three decades and signals a marked slowdown in consumer spending in coming months. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 28 2022 9:00AM During the second quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), rose at the fastest pace in more than seven years (by more than 15%). Other services survey results 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 27 2022 10:00AM Confidence in the other services sector rebounded to 52 in the second quarter. Activity expanded strongly in the hospitality sector for the third quarter in a row but weakened considerably in the transport sector. After a very strong first quarter, real read moreConfidence in the other services sector rebounded to 52 in the second quarter. Activity expanded strongly in the hospitality sector for the third quarter in a row but weakened considerably in the transport sector. After a very strong first quarter, real estate activity drifted down in the second quarter. Activity in the crucial business services sector at long last staged a recovery. GDP growth in the second quarter is likely to benefit from the delayed recovery of the other services sector. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 22 2022 9:00AM Building sector confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, declined to 34, from 40 in 2022Q1. By far the biggest drag on confidence was the building material manufacturing sector where confidence fell by 43 index points to only 12. This read moreBuilding sector confidence, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, declined to 34, from 40 in 2022Q1. By far the biggest drag on confidence was the building material manufacturing sector where confidence fell by 43 index points to only 12. This was partially offset by a 21-point jump in main contractor confidence. On a more positive note, confidence in the “core” building sector (excluding building material manufacturers and hardware retailers) increased to 35, from 31 in 2022Q1. Retail survey results 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 21 2022 1:00PM With rising interest rates and inflation sitting at the top of the SARB’s target range, the results from this quarter’s BER Retail Survey surprised on the upside. Retailer confidence remained at an elevated level of 49% (above the long-term average of 40%). read moreWith rising interest rates and inflation sitting at the top of the SARB’s target range, the results from this quarter’s BER Retail Survey surprised on the upside. Retailer confidence remained at an elevated level of 49% (above the long-term average of 40%). RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 8 2022 1:45PM The RMB/BER BCI declined from 46 to 42 in the second quarter. Although manufacturers and new vehicle dealers experienced a sharp deterioration in sentiment, building contractors turned decisively more upbeat. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers read moreThe RMB/BER BCI declined from 46 to 42 in the second quarter. Although manufacturers and new vehicle dealers experienced a sharp deterioration in sentiment, building contractors turned decisively more upbeat. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained largely unchanged at relatively high levels. 2021 NDP Assessment Report, press release Date Uploaded: Apr 7 2022 12:00PM At the end of 2021, the BER in collaboration with its partners completed the annual Assessment Report of South Africa’s progress towards its development objectives. It was shared with Cabinet in November last year and the BER is now able to distribute the read moreAt the end of 2021, the BER in collaboration with its partners completed the annual Assessment Report of South Africa’s progress towards its development objectives. It was shared with Cabinet in November last year and the BER is now able to distribute the document more widely. The Report demonstrates the extent of the damaged caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, but some indicators also suggest reason for optimism. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 31 2022 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index declined to 9, from 15 in 2021Q4. Overall, a stabilisation in activity growth and an expectation that activity will improve further next quarter was unable to offset concerns about the slow pace at which project tenders are read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index declined to 9, from 15 in 2021Q4. Overall, a stabilisation in activity growth and an expectation that activity will improve further next quarter was unable to offset concerns about the slow pace at which project tenders are adjudicated and awarded. BER Building Cost Index (BCI) 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 29 2022 9:00AM During the fourth quarter of 2021, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), accelerated by a revised 5.9%. Preliminary data for 2022Q1, however, shows a marked slowdown in the BER BCI. read moreDuring the fourth quarter of 2021, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), accelerated by a revised 5.9%. Preliminary data for 2022Q1, however, shows a marked slowdown in the BER BCI. Other services survey results 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 28 2022 10:00AM Despite the decline in business confidence, business volumes improved noticeably across all sub-sectors relative to the fourth quarter. The increase in activity in hotels and restaurants was particularly strong. Freight transport services continued to read moreDespite the decline in business confidence, business volumes improved noticeably across all sub-sectors relative to the fourth quarter. The increase in activity in hotels and restaurants was particularly strong. Freight transport services continued to recover. The absence of international tourists kept on hampering passenger transport services. Real estate agents saw interest from buyers returned, but property management continued to struggle. The crucial business services sector recovered strongly once more in the first quarter. The further considerable improvement in activity in the other services sector bodes well for the GDP growth rate in the first quarter. Inflation Expectations, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 24 2022 3:00PM In the first quarter of 2022, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions rose to 5.1% (4.8% previously) in 2022 and 5.0% (4.7% previously) in 2023. Average five-year inflation expectations edged up from 4.7% to 5.0%. read moreIn the first quarter of 2022, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions rose to 5.1% (4.8% previously) in 2022 and 5.0% (4.7% previously) in 2023. Average five-year inflation expectations edged up from 4.7% to 5.0%. Household inflation expectations during the next 12 months bounced back from 5.2% to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2022. Retail survey results 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 23 2022 10:00AM Retailer confidence declined marginally from 52 to 49 in the first quarter of 2022. However, the BER’s survey shows that retailer confidence remains 10 index points above its long-term average. While overall volume growth eased, rapidly rising selling prices read moreRetailer confidence declined marginally from 52 to 49 in the first quarter of 2022. However, the BER’s survey shows that retailer confidence remains 10 index points above its long-term average. While overall volume growth eased, rapidly rising selling prices buoyed profitability and underpinned retailer confidence. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 17 2022 10:00AM The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined from -9 to -13 index points during the first quarter of 2022. The slump in the CCI during the first quarter of 2022 can be ascribed to marked declines in the economic outlook and household financial read moreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined from -9 to -13 index points during the first quarter of 2022. The slump in the CCI during the first quarter of 2022 can be ascribed to marked declines in the economic outlook and household financial position sub-indices of the CCI. Confidence levels of high-income households declined sharply, while the confidence level of middle-income households sagged. Low-income confidence further extended its recovery. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 15 2022 9:00AM After slipping to 34 in 2021Q4, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rose to 40 in 2022Q1. Although this is a four-year high, most of the improvement in the business mood came from building material manufacturers and building sub-contractors. read moreAfter slipping to 34 in 2021Q4, the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index rose to 40 in 2022Q1. Although this is a four-year high, most of the improvement in the business mood came from building material manufacturers and building sub-contractors. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2022Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 9 2022 12:00PM After remaining unchanged at 43 points in the fourth quarter of 2021, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) increased to 46 in the first quarter of 2022. The improvement in sentiment points to the economic recovery, temporarily interrupted in the third read moreAfter remaining unchanged at 43 points in the fourth quarter of 2021, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) increased to 46 in the first quarter of 2022. The improvement in sentiment points to the economic recovery, temporarily interrupted in the third quarter of last year, having continued into 2022. Unfortunately, the stagflationary shock brought about by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine has now triggered a significant degree of uncertainty around global, and by implication, SA’s GDP growth prospects.