BER press release
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.
Inflation Expectations, 2021Q4, press release
Last updated: Jan 27 2022 8:20AM
Whereas average inflation expectations were just below the 4.5% midpoint of the target range in the third quarter, they increased to just above it in the fourth quarter for all three forecast periods. The expectations of business people and trade union
read moreWhereas average inflation expectations were just below the 4.5% midpoint of the target range in the third quarter, they increased to just above it in the fourth quarter for all three forecast periods. The expectations of business people and trade union representatives rose by more than those of the analysts. Inflation over the next five years is projected to average 4.7% (slightly up from the 4.6% previously).