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 FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Last updated: Jun 29 2022 6:40PM 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 Last updated: Jun 29 2022 11:45AM 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 Last updated: Jun 27 2022 1:30PM 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 Last updated: Jun 27 2022 7:33AM 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 Last updated: Jun 22 2022 8:05AM 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 Last updated: Jun 21 2022 12:31PM 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 Last updated: Jun 8 2022 1:30PM 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 Last updated: Apr 7 2022 9:32AM 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 Last updated: Mar 30 2022 3:37PM 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 Last updated: Mar 28 2022 9:41AM 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 Last updated: Mar 28 2022 8:19AM 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 Last updated: Mar 24 2022 7:06AM 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 Last updated: Mar 23 2022 8:58AM 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 Last updated: Mar 17 2022 8:53AM 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 Last updated: Mar 15 2022 8:23AM 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 Last updated: Mar 9 2022 9:20AM 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 FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2022Q2, press release Last updated: Jun 29 2022 6:40PM 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 Last updated: Jun 29 2022 11:45AM 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 Last updated: Jun 27 2022 1:30PM 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 Last updated: Jun 27 2022 7:33AM 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 Last updated: Jun 22 2022 8:05AM 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 Last updated: Jun 21 2022 12:31PM 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 Last updated: Jun 8 2022 1:30PM 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 Last updated: Apr 7 2022 9:32AM 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 Last updated: Mar 30 2022 3:37PM 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 Last updated: Mar 28 2022 9:41AM 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 Last updated: Mar 28 2022 8:19AM 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 Last updated: Mar 24 2022 7:06AM 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 Last updated: Mar 23 2022 8:58AM 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 Last updated: Mar 17 2022 8:53AM 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 Last updated: Mar 15 2022 8:23AM 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 Last updated: Mar 9 2022 9:20AM 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.