BER press release
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.
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.
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.
Building Cost Index, 2023Q3, Press Release
Date Uploaded: Sep 26 2023 3:00PM
Tender price growth rebounds in Q3 as competition eases.
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.