BER press release
New report reflects on progress towards NDP objectives
Last updated: Feb 18 2021 12:08PM
In collaboration with a network of partners, the BER has compiled a report to measure South Africa’s achievement of its development objectives set out in the National Development Plan. The BER’s NDP Assessment Report gives a data-driven view of progress in as
read moreIn collaboration with a network of partners, the BER has compiled a report to measure South Africa’s achievement of its development objectives set out in the National Development Plan. The BER’s NDP Assessment Report gives a data-driven view of progress in as short and concise a format as possible. This report shows progress in South Africa’s development in some areas, though outcomes have fallen short of the NDP’s aspirations in several key indicators. Strong corrective action is needed to achieve the targets of the NDP. Success will require a collective effort by all of society – government, the private sector, churches and NGOs – to realise these goals. With the Annual NDP Assessment Report, the BER and its network of collaborators hope to contribute to the accelerated, and ultimately successful, implementation of the NDP as we traverse the journey to 2030.
Inflation Expectations Press 2020Q4
Last updated: Jan 21 2021 2:21PM
The fourth quarter survey showed that headline CPI inflation is forecast to average 3.7% (3.6% previously) in 2020 and to edge up to 4.2% (also 4.2% previously) in 2021 and 4.5% (4.6% previously) in 2022. Business people continue to have higher inflation
read moreThe fourth quarter survey showed that headline CPI inflation is forecast to average 3.7% (3.6% previously) in 2020 and to edge up to 4.2% (also 4.2% previously) in 2021 and 4.5% (4.6% previously) in 2022. Business people continue to have higher inflation expectations than analysts and trade union officials for all forecast periods. Average inflation expectations over the next five years ticked up from 4.5% in Q3 to 4.7% in the fourth quarter.
Other services survey results 2020Q4, press release
Last updated: Jan 19 2021 9:03AM
Other services confidence jumped from 17 in the third quarter to 27 in the final quarter of 2020. Although the 10-point jump is encouraging, the poor performance of especially hotels, restaurants and business services indicates that conditions were still far
read moreOther services confidence jumped from 17 in the third quarter to 27 in the final quarter of 2020. Although the 10-point jump is encouraging, the poor performance of especially hotels, restaurants and business services indicates that conditions were still far from favourable in the other services sector. From the perspective of preserving livelihoods, the prolonged reduction in employment at hotels, restaurants and business services is most worrisome.
FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index 2020Q4, press release
Last updated: Dec 14 2020 8:23AM
The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased from -23 to -12 in the fourth quarter. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent severe economic restrictions sent the CCI crashing from an already depressed level of -9 in the first
read moreThe FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased from -23 to -12 in the fourth quarter. The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent severe economic restrictions sent the CCI crashing from an already depressed level of -9 in the first quarter to a 35-year low of -33 during the second quarter, but the CCI has now regained most of its lost ground. Nevertheless, the latest reading of -12 constitutes the lowest festive season CCI reading since 2015.
FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2020Q4, press release
Last updated: Dec 7 2020 8:08AM
In 2020Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index fell to only five. Sentiment improved to 11 in 2020Q3 and by a further five points to 16 in 2020Q4. Although better, the current index level means that the vast majority (more than eighty per cent) of respondents
read more In 2020Q2, the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index fell to only five. Sentiment improved to 11 in 2020Q3 and by a further five points to 16 in 2020Q4. Although better, the current index level means that the vast majority (more than eighty per cent) of respondents are dissatisfied with prevailing business conditions.
Retail survey results 2020Q4, press release
Last updated: Dec 3 2020 7:54AM
The overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating
read moreThe overall BER Trade survey results were quite positive in the fourth quarter. Major improvements can be seen across all trade categories, with retailer, wholesaler and new vehicle dealer confidence all increasing remarkably on the back of improved operating conditions, a noteworthy uptick in sales volumes and an overall improvement in profitability. But, despite massive gains in sentiment, questions remain about whether the sector can sustain this momentum amid the significant headwinds that lie ahead.
FNB/BER Building Confidence Index 2020Q4, press release
Last updated: Dec 2 2020 7:58AM
The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index gained 20 points to 24 in 2020Q3. A further rise in confidence to 29 was registered in 2020Q4. This is the joint best level since the end of 2018. Four out of the six sub-sectors surveyed reported higher confidence with
read moreThe FNB/BER Building Confidence Index gained 20 points to 24 in 2020Q3. A further rise in confidence to 29 was registered in 2020Q4. This is the joint best level since the end of 2018. Four out of the six sub-sectors surveyed reported higher confidence with sentiment among hardware retailers at a more than five-year high.
RMB/BER Business Confidence Index, 2020Q4 (press release)
Last updated: Nov 25 2020 11:00AM
After crashing to an all-time low of five at the height of the COVID-19-induced lockdown in the second quarter, the RMB/BER BCI increased noticeably further from 24 in the third quarter to 40 in the fourth quarter. Confidence rose in all the sectors making up
read moreAfter crashing to an all-time low of five at the height of the COVID-19-induced lockdown in the second quarter, the RMB/BER BCI increased noticeably further from 24 in the third quarter to 40 in the fourth quarter. Confidence rose in all the sectors making up the BCI. While the easing of lockdown restrictions in recent months has led to a resurgence in activity, the tempo of growth in 2021 and beyond remains highly uncertain.
Other services survey results 2020Q3, press release
Last updated: Oct 7 2020 8:39AM
Confidence in the other services sector bounced back from 7 to 17 in the third quarter. The performance of the respective sub-sectors related closely to the lifting of the lockdown restrictions. It was too early to estimate the impact of the lifting of the
read moreConfidence in the other services sector bounced back from 7 to 17 in the third quarter. The performance of the respective sub-sectors related closely to the lifting of the lockdown restrictions. It was too early to estimate the impact of the lifting of the inter-provincial leisure travel ban on hotels. Activity in restaurants remained weak. Property sales bounced back, but property management struggled. Business services contracted at the same rate than previously.
FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index 2020Q3, press release
Last updated: Sep 22 2020 7:54AM
Sentiment in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, increased to a still low level of 11 in 2020Q3, from 5 in 2020Q2. Underpinning the low confidence was continued pressure on activity, which, while improved compared
read moreSentiment in the civil construction sector, as measured by the FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index, increased to a still low level of 11 in 2020Q3, from 5 in 2020Q2. Underpinning the low confidence was continued pressure on activity, which, while improved compared to 2020Q2, is likely well below the level recorded in 2019Q3.