Economic information that works for you Media & eventsRelease calendarEventsPress Releases (Archive) 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Agriculture sector progress versus the targets of the NDP Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2023 12:00PM How has the agricultural sector performed against the development objectives and targets outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)? The recently launched 2023 BFAP Baseline as well as data on land reform collected by the BER provide a sense of the read moreHow has the agricultural sector performed against the development objectives and targets outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)? The recently launched 2023 BFAP Baseline as well as data on land reform collected by the BER provide a sense of the exceptional performance of the sector. There are, however, threats on the horizon that could negate the gains of the last decade. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased marginally to 43 in 2023Q3, from 41 in 2023Q2. Even though the majority of respondents are still dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions, the current reading is above the long-term average. Underpinning read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased marginally to 43 in 2023Q3, from 41 in 2023Q2. Even though the majority of respondents are still dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions, the current reading is above the long-term average. Underpinning the relative optimism is the continued rise in construction activity and overall profitability. Building Cost Index, 2023Q3, Press Release Date Uploaded: Sep 26 2023 3:00PM Tender price growth rebounds in Q3 as competition eases. Other services survey, 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 26 2023 10:00AM The BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector increased by 5 points in 2023Q3, bringing the index just below its long-term average of 52 at 48 points. Although this is a positive development, the sector has yet to read moreThe BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector increased by 5 points in 2023Q3, bringing the index just below its long-term average of 52 at 48 points. Although this is a positive development, the sector has yet to regain the 25 points it lost in the first half of this year. At the current level, just under half of the respondents in this sector express satisfaction with the prevailing business conditions. Retail survey results 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 19 2023 12:00PM The BER’s Retail Trade Survey shows that retailer confidence improved to 32% in the third quarter, up from 20% in quarter two. While confidence remains below the long-term average, the index recovered most of the losses experienced during the second quarter. read moreThe BER’s Retail Trade Survey shows that retailer confidence improved to 32% in the third quarter, up from 20% in quarter two. While confidence remains below the long-term average, the index recovered most of the losses experienced during the second quarter. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 13 2023 9:00AM After slipping to 28 in 2023Q2, sentiment in the building sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, gained six points to register a level of 34 in 2023Q3. The current level of the index means that more than 65% of respondents are read moreAfter slipping to 28 in 2023Q2, sentiment in the building sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, gained six points to register a level of 34 in 2023Q3. The current level of the index means that more than 65% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Supporting the uptick in confidence was an improvement in activity, especially among builders. This also lifted overall profitability. In all, the recovery in the building sector, at the very least, maintained its momentum in 2023Q3. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q3 Date Uploaded: Sep 11 2023 10:46AM The average headline CPI inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions seemingly peaked in the second quarter of 2023, as expectations declined significantly in the third quarter. It was the first drop in average 2023 expectations in read moreThe average headline CPI inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions seemingly peaked in the second quarter of 2023, as expectations declined significantly in the third quarter. It was the first drop in average 2023 expectations in two years. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 7 2023 10:00AM After reaching a low -25 index points in the second quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -16 in the third quarter. There was a remarkable rebound in the confidence levels of high-income households (earning more than R20 read moreAfter reaching a low -25 index points in the second quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -16 in the third quarter. There was a remarkable rebound in the confidence levels of high-income households (earning more than R20 000 per month) following an outsized decline during the first half of 2023. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 6 2023 12:00PM After falling to 27 in the second quarter of 2023, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) regained some ground to register a level of 33 in the third quarter. The challenges posed by relatively high interest rates, the resultant strain on consumers, and read moreAfter falling to 27 in the second quarter of 2023, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) regained some ground to register a level of 33 in the third quarter. The challenges posed by relatively high interest rates, the resultant strain on consumers, and social unrest meant that business activity remained constrained. Encouragingly, the slight reprieve in the incidence of load-shedding provided support to some firms, especially in manufacturing. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q2 Date Uploaded: Jul 6 2023 10:00AM In the second quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased further. Expectations rose by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) to 6.5% in 2023. For both 2024 and 2025, expectations increased by 0.1% pt, read moreIn the second quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased further. Expectations rose by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) to 6.5% in 2023. For both 2024 and 2025, expectations increased by 0.1% pt, to 5.9% and 5.6% respectively. Between the first and second quarter surveys, the annual rate of increase for headline consumer inflation trended down from 7% in February 2023 to 6.3% in May. Among the three social groups, analysts foresee the lowest inflation rate over all three years (see table on next page), while business people expect the highest rate. Trade unions are not far behind firms. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 30 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index moved lower to 41, from 42 in 2023Q1. The slight deterioration in sentiment masks a significant increase in activity, led by private investment in energy generation. Importantly, the survey indicates that work will remain read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index moved lower to 41, from 42 in 2023Q1. The slight deterioration in sentiment masks a significant increase in activity, led by private investment in energy generation. Importantly, the survey indicates that work will remain well supported into next quarter. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2023Q2 Date Uploaded: Jun 29 2023 10:00AM Having plunged from -8 to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) sagged further to -25 index points during the second quarter of 2023. The confidence levels of high-income households deteriorated the read moreHaving plunged from -8 to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) sagged further to -25 index points during the second quarter of 2023. The confidence levels of high-income households deteriorated the most. It does not bode well for the retail sector, as affluent consumers have the greatest spending power among the different income groups. Building Cost 2023Q2, Press Release Date Uploaded: Jun 26 2023 9:00AM Less pressure on building contractor profit margins as tender price growth outstrips input cost increases in Q1. Other services survey, 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 22 2023 10:00AM The BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector edged down by a further two points to 43 in 2023Q2. This follows a record 23-point decline in the first quarter. At the current level, just over four out of ten read moreThe BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector edged down by a further two points to 43 in 2023Q2. This follows a record 23-point decline in the first quarter. At the current level, just over four out of ten business executives in the sector were satisfied with prevailing business conditions. Retail survey results 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 20 2023 2:00PM The BER’s quarterly Retail Trade survey shows that retailer confidence dropped to 20% during 2023Q2, down from 34% in Q1. Load-shedding remains a main driver of the loss in confidence, and the BER Retail survey shows that profitability is suffering as a read moreThe BER’s quarterly Retail Trade survey shows that retailer confidence dropped to 20% during 2023Q2, down from 34% in Q1. Load-shedding remains a main driver of the loss in confidence, and the BER Retail survey shows that profitability is suffering as a result. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 15 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index shed five points to register a level of 28 in 2023Q2. A sharp fall in sentiment among building sub-contractors and hardware on retailers weighed heavily on the overall index. This was underpinned by a decline in main read moreThe FNB/BER Building Confidence Index shed five points to register a level of 28 in 2023Q2. A sharp fall in sentiment among building sub-contractors and hardware on retailers weighed heavily on the overall index. This was underpinned by a decline in main contractor activity as well as continued weaker hardware retailer sales. Of additional concern is the broad-based expectation that activity and sales will likely come under further pressure over the short term. Absa Manufacturing Survey 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 14 2023 10:30AM Following a nine-point drop in Q1, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that manufacturing business confidence remained unchanged at 17 points in 2023Q2. While not as poor as the record-low 5 points reached during the strictest time of SA’s COVID-19 read moreFollowing a nine-point drop in Q1, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that manufacturing business confidence remained unchanged at 17 points in 2023Q2. While not as poor as the record-low 5 points reached during the strictest time of SA’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020Q2, the current level is less than half of the long-term average level of 39 RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 7 2023 2:15PM The RMB/BER BCI declined for a fifth consecutive quarter to reach 27 in the second quarter of 2023, down by 9 points from 36 in the first quarter. The decline in confidence was on the back of another decrease in business activity, although this likely does read moreThe RMB/BER BCI declined for a fifth consecutive quarter to reach 27 in the second quarter of 2023, down by 9 points from 36 in the first quarter. The decline in confidence was on the back of another decrease in business activity, although this likely does not explain the full extent of the deterioration in sentiment. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 29 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased to a more than six-year high of 42 in 2023Q1, from 31 in 2022Q4. Sentiment has now improved for four consecutive quarters. Underpinning the improved sentiment was a marked increase in activity, which also boosted read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased to a more than six-year high of 42 in 2023Q1, from 31 in 2022Q4. Sentiment has now improved for four consecutive quarters. Underpinning the improved sentiment was a marked increase in activity, which also boosted profitability. Building Cost 2023Q1, Press Release Date Uploaded: Mar 28 2023 9:00AM During the fourth quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), was downwardly revised. Retail survey results 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 27 2023 10:00AM Trends in the internal trade sector (retail, wholesale and motor vehicles) signal information about the demand side of the economy. The BER’s latest trade survey results suggest a sector facing weak consumer demand. Confidence among retailers is the weakest read moreTrends in the internal trade sector (retail, wholesale and motor vehicles) signal information about the demand side of the economy. The BER’s latest trade survey results suggest a sector facing weak consumer demand. Confidence among retailers is the weakest it has been since 2020Q2, right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 23 2023 10:00AM Consumer confidence has been rocked by the electricity crisis and cost-of-living concerns. Having recovered from -20 to -8 index points during the fourth quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -23 index points during the first read moreConsumer confidence has been rocked by the electricity crisis and cost-of-living concerns. Having recovered from -20 to -8 index points during the fourth quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023. This is the third-lowest CCI reading on record since 1994. Other services survey results 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 22 2023 12:00PM Other services confidence plummeted from 68 to 45 in the first quarter of 2023. The fall stemmed from the transport and business services sub-sectors. Confidence in the hospitality sub-sector increased further and declined slightly in the real estate read moreOther services confidence plummeted from 68 to 45 in the first quarter of 2023. The fall stemmed from the transport and business services sub-sectors. Confidence in the hospitality sub-sector increased further and declined slightly in the real estate sub-sector. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q1 Date Uploaded: Mar 16 2023 10:00AM In the first quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions for 2023 and 2024 increased by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) relative to the fourth quarter of 2022. They forecast inflation to average 6.3% in 2023 read moreIn the first quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions for 2023 and 2024 increased by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) relative to the fourth quarter of 2022. They forecast inflation to average 6.3% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024. Thereafter, the respondents expect inflation to subside to 5.5% in 2025. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 13 2023 9:00AM After slipping by one point in 2022Q4, sentiment in the building construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained at 33 in 2023Q1. The current level of the index means that almost 70% of respondents are dissatisfied with read moreAfter slipping by one point in 2022Q4, sentiment in the building construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained at 33 in 2023Q1. The current level of the index means that almost 70% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Importantly, the relatively downbeat sentiment belies a noticeable improvement in contractor activity this quarter. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 8 2023 12:00PM The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined further from 38 in the fourth quarter to 36 in the first quarter of 2023. While the outcome could have been worse given the severity of power outages and the associated drop-off in business activity, the read moreThe RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined further from 38 in the fourth quarter to 36 in the first quarter of 2023. While the outcome could have been worse given the severity of power outages and the associated drop-off in business activity, the result is nonetheless disappointing. The business mood certainly remains gloomy.
(Archive) 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 Agriculture sector progress versus the targets of the NDP Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2023 12:00PM How has the agricultural sector performed against the development objectives and targets outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)? The recently launched 2023 BFAP Baseline as well as data on land reform collected by the BER provide a sense of the read moreHow has the agricultural sector performed against the development objectives and targets outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP)? The recently launched 2023 BFAP Baseline as well as data on land reform collected by the BER provide a sense of the exceptional performance of the sector. There are, however, threats on the horizon that could negate the gains of the last decade. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 27 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased marginally to 43 in 2023Q3, from 41 in 2023Q2. Even though the majority of respondents are still dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions, the current reading is above the long-term average. Underpinning read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased marginally to 43 in 2023Q3, from 41 in 2023Q2. Even though the majority of respondents are still dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions, the current reading is above the long-term average. Underpinning the relative optimism is the continued rise in construction activity and overall profitability. Building Cost Index, 2023Q3, Press Release Date Uploaded: Sep 26 2023 3:00PM Tender price growth rebounds in Q3 as competition eases. Other services survey, 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 26 2023 10:00AM The BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector increased by 5 points in 2023Q3, bringing the index just below its long-term average of 52 at 48 points. Although this is a positive development, the sector has yet to read moreThe BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector increased by 5 points in 2023Q3, bringing the index just below its long-term average of 52 at 48 points. Although this is a positive development, the sector has yet to regain the 25 points it lost in the first half of this year. At the current level, just under half of the respondents in this sector express satisfaction with the prevailing business conditions. Retail survey results 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 19 2023 12:00PM The BER’s Retail Trade Survey shows that retailer confidence improved to 32% in the third quarter, up from 20% in quarter two. While confidence remains below the long-term average, the index recovered most of the losses experienced during the second quarter. read moreThe BER’s Retail Trade Survey shows that retailer confidence improved to 32% in the third quarter, up from 20% in quarter two. While confidence remains below the long-term average, the index recovered most of the losses experienced during the second quarter. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 13 2023 9:00AM After slipping to 28 in 2023Q2, sentiment in the building sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, gained six points to register a level of 34 in 2023Q3. The current level of the index means that more than 65% of respondents are read moreAfter slipping to 28 in 2023Q2, sentiment in the building sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, gained six points to register a level of 34 in 2023Q3. The current level of the index means that more than 65% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Supporting the uptick in confidence was an improvement in activity, especially among builders. This also lifted overall profitability. In all, the recovery in the building sector, at the very least, maintained its momentum in 2023Q3. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q3 Date Uploaded: Sep 11 2023 10:46AM The average headline CPI inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions seemingly peaked in the second quarter of 2023, as expectations declined significantly in the third quarter. It was the first drop in average 2023 expectations in read moreThe average headline CPI inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions seemingly peaked in the second quarter of 2023, as expectations declined significantly in the third quarter. It was the first drop in average 2023 expectations in two years. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 7 2023 10:00AM After reaching a low -25 index points in the second quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -16 in the third quarter. There was a remarkable rebound in the confidence levels of high-income households (earning more than R20 read moreAfter reaching a low -25 index points in the second quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) rebounded to -16 in the third quarter. There was a remarkable rebound in the confidence levels of high-income households (earning more than R20 000 per month) following an outsized decline during the first half of 2023. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q3, press release Date Uploaded: Sep 6 2023 12:00PM After falling to 27 in the second quarter of 2023, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) regained some ground to register a level of 33 in the third quarter. The challenges posed by relatively high interest rates, the resultant strain on consumers, and read moreAfter falling to 27 in the second quarter of 2023, the RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) regained some ground to register a level of 33 in the third quarter. The challenges posed by relatively high interest rates, the resultant strain on consumers, and social unrest meant that business activity remained constrained. Encouragingly, the slight reprieve in the incidence of load-shedding provided support to some firms, especially in manufacturing. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q2 Date Uploaded: Jul 6 2023 10:00AM In the second quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased further. Expectations rose by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) to 6.5% in 2023. For both 2024 and 2025, expectations increased by 0.1% pt, read moreIn the second quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions increased further. Expectations rose by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) to 6.5% in 2023. For both 2024 and 2025, expectations increased by 0.1% pt, to 5.9% and 5.6% respectively. Between the first and second quarter surveys, the annual rate of increase for headline consumer inflation trended down from 7% in February 2023 to 6.3% in May. Among the three social groups, analysts foresee the lowest inflation rate over all three years (see table on next page), while business people expect the highest rate. Trade unions are not far behind firms. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 30 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index moved lower to 41, from 42 in 2023Q1. The slight deterioration in sentiment masks a significant increase in activity, led by private investment in energy generation. Importantly, the survey indicates that work will remain read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index moved lower to 41, from 42 in 2023Q1. The slight deterioration in sentiment masks a significant increase in activity, led by private investment in energy generation. Importantly, the survey indicates that work will remain well supported into next quarter. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2023Q2 Date Uploaded: Jun 29 2023 10:00AM Having plunged from -8 to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) sagged further to -25 index points during the second quarter of 2023. The confidence levels of high-income households deteriorated the read moreHaving plunged from -8 to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) sagged further to -25 index points during the second quarter of 2023. The confidence levels of high-income households deteriorated the most. It does not bode well for the retail sector, as affluent consumers have the greatest spending power among the different income groups. Building Cost 2023Q2, Press Release Date Uploaded: Jun 26 2023 9:00AM Less pressure on building contractor profit margins as tender price growth outstrips input cost increases in Q1. Other services survey, 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 22 2023 10:00AM The BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector edged down by a further two points to 43 in 2023Q2. This follows a record 23-point decline in the first quarter. At the current level, just over four out of ten read moreThe BER’s Other Services Survey shows that business confidence in the other services sector edged down by a further two points to 43 in 2023Q2. This follows a record 23-point decline in the first quarter. At the current level, just over four out of ten business executives in the sector were satisfied with prevailing business conditions. Retail survey results 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 20 2023 2:00PM The BER’s quarterly Retail Trade survey shows that retailer confidence dropped to 20% during 2023Q2, down from 34% in Q1. Load-shedding remains a main driver of the loss in confidence, and the BER Retail survey shows that profitability is suffering as a read moreThe BER’s quarterly Retail Trade survey shows that retailer confidence dropped to 20% during 2023Q2, down from 34% in Q1. Load-shedding remains a main driver of the loss in confidence, and the BER Retail survey shows that profitability is suffering as a result. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 15 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index shed five points to register a level of 28 in 2023Q2. A sharp fall in sentiment among building sub-contractors and hardware on retailers weighed heavily on the overall index. This was underpinned by a decline in main read moreThe FNB/BER Building Confidence Index shed five points to register a level of 28 in 2023Q2. A sharp fall in sentiment among building sub-contractors and hardware on retailers weighed heavily on the overall index. This was underpinned by a decline in main contractor activity as well as continued weaker hardware retailer sales. Of additional concern is the broad-based expectation that activity and sales will likely come under further pressure over the short term. Absa Manufacturing Survey 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 14 2023 10:30AM Following a nine-point drop in Q1, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that manufacturing business confidence remained unchanged at 17 points in 2023Q2. While not as poor as the record-low 5 points reached during the strictest time of SA’s COVID-19 read moreFollowing a nine-point drop in Q1, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey shows that manufacturing business confidence remained unchanged at 17 points in 2023Q2. While not as poor as the record-low 5 points reached during the strictest time of SA’s COVID-19 lockdown in 2020Q2, the current level is less than half of the long-term average level of 39 RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q2, press release Date Uploaded: Jun 7 2023 2:15PM The RMB/BER BCI declined for a fifth consecutive quarter to reach 27 in the second quarter of 2023, down by 9 points from 36 in the first quarter. The decline in confidence was on the back of another decrease in business activity, although this likely does read moreThe RMB/BER BCI declined for a fifth consecutive quarter to reach 27 in the second quarter of 2023, down by 9 points from 36 in the first quarter. The decline in confidence was on the back of another decrease in business activity, although this likely does not explain the full extent of the deterioration in sentiment. FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 29 2023 9:00AM The FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased to a more than six-year high of 42 in 2023Q1, from 31 in 2022Q4. Sentiment has now improved for four consecutive quarters. Underpinning the improved sentiment was a marked increase in activity, which also boosted read moreThe FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index increased to a more than six-year high of 42 in 2023Q1, from 31 in 2022Q4. Sentiment has now improved for four consecutive quarters. Underpinning the improved sentiment was a marked increase in activity, which also boosted profitability. Building Cost 2023Q1, Press Release Date Uploaded: Mar 28 2023 9:00AM During the fourth quarter of 2022, annual growth in tender prices, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index (BCI), was downwardly revised. Retail survey results 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 27 2023 10:00AM Trends in the internal trade sector (retail, wholesale and motor vehicles) signal information about the demand side of the economy. The BER’s latest trade survey results suggest a sector facing weak consumer demand. Confidence among retailers is the weakest read moreTrends in the internal trade sector (retail, wholesale and motor vehicles) signal information about the demand side of the economy. The BER’s latest trade survey results suggest a sector facing weak consumer demand. Confidence among retailers is the weakest it has been since 2020Q2, right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index, 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 23 2023 10:00AM Consumer confidence has been rocked by the electricity crisis and cost-of-living concerns. Having recovered from -20 to -8 index points during the fourth quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -23 index points during the first read moreConsumer confidence has been rocked by the electricity crisis and cost-of-living concerns. Having recovered from -20 to -8 index points during the fourth quarter of 2022, the FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) plunged to -23 index points during the first quarter of 2023. This is the third-lowest CCI reading on record since 1994. Other services survey results 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 22 2023 12:00PM Other services confidence plummeted from 68 to 45 in the first quarter of 2023. The fall stemmed from the transport and business services sub-sectors. Confidence in the hospitality sub-sector increased further and declined slightly in the real estate read moreOther services confidence plummeted from 68 to 45 in the first quarter of 2023. The fall stemmed from the transport and business services sub-sectors. Confidence in the hospitality sub-sector increased further and declined slightly in the real estate sub-sector. Inflation Expectations Press 2023Q1 Date Uploaded: Mar 16 2023 10:00AM In the first quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions for 2023 and 2024 increased by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) relative to the fourth quarter of 2022. They forecast inflation to average 6.3% in 2023 read moreIn the first quarter of 2023, the average inflation expectations of analysts, business people and trade unions for 2023 and 2024 increased by 0.2 percentage points (% pts) relative to the fourth quarter of 2022. They forecast inflation to average 6.3% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024. Thereafter, the respondents expect inflation to subside to 5.5% in 2025. FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 13 2023 9:00AM After slipping by one point in 2022Q4, sentiment in the building construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained at 33 in 2023Q1. The current level of the index means that almost 70% of respondents are dissatisfied with read moreAfter slipping by one point in 2022Q4, sentiment in the building construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Building Confidence Index, remained at 33 in 2023Q1. The current level of the index means that almost 70% of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Importantly, the relatively downbeat sentiment belies a noticeable improvement in contractor activity this quarter. RMB/BER Business Confidence Index 2023Q1, press release Date Uploaded: Mar 8 2023 12:00PM The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined further from 38 in the fourth quarter to 36 in the first quarter of 2023. While the outcome could have been worse given the severity of power outages and the associated drop-off in business activity, the read moreThe RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) declined further from 38 in the fourth quarter to 36 in the first quarter of 2023. While the outcome could have been worse given the severity of power outages and the associated drop-off in business activity, the result is nonetheless disappointing. The business mood certainly remains gloomy.