The BER, a proud economic research institute of Stellenbosch University

INTRODUCING BER ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS

ESSENTIAL INSIGHTS SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE OPEN. We’ve enhanced the BER Weekly Review you know and trust with even more expert analysis and forecasting – now called BER Essential Insights. Subscribe today and get trusted updates on key economic events affecting your business.

RECENT EVENT 2025 May | Navigating Change: The GNU

We recently hosted a full-day conference on 6 May 2025 in Johannesburg, exploring the broad sweep of South Africa’s economic landscape. The discussions included an update on the domestic economic outlook, an analysis of political-economy risks related to the Government of National Unity (GNU), and an examination of the Trump administration’s intentions toward South Africa. The second half of the programme, featured a deep dive into phase two of Operation Vulindlela. We examined the progress being made with municipal and water reforms and showcased some of the latest research in this field. An exciting lineup of speakers listed below addressed various topical issues. BER Clients can download the presentations available.

A fiscal anchor for South Africa

RESEARCH NOTE: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended that South Africa adopt fiscal rules, and the National Treasury has committed to a process of consultations on fiscal rules, and to release a discussion by the end of March 2025. This research note explores what fiscal rules are and whether they could improve South Africa’s fiscal sustainability and fiscal credibility. It highlights guiding principles and considerations for fiscal rule design and outlines a possible fiscal rule to initially stabilise debt followed by a debt reduction phase.


Free Weekly Review | Number 34 | 5 September 2025

BER Weekly Review (Free) | 5 September

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The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index registered a level of 35 in 2025Q3, from 36 in 2025Q2. This marks the third consecutive decline in building sentiment. Moreover, the index has been moving within a narrow – albeit low – band since the middle of last year. This means that, while sentiment in the industry isn’t tanking, there is little lifting the business mood across the building value chain

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Business Confidence Index
Consumer Confidence Index
Purchasing Managers' Index
Building Confidence Index
Civil Confidence Index

The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index registered a level of 35 in 2025Q3, from 36 in 2025Q2. This marks the third consecutive decline in building sentiment. Moreover, the index has been moving within a narrow – albeit low – band since the middle of last year. This means that, while sentiment in the industry isn’t tanking, there is little lifting the business mood across the building value chain

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Economic Forecast

Read our latest economic forecast.

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The release calendar will be updated each quarter. Please note that these dates may change.

Wednesday
3 September 2025

RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI)

Wednesday
10 September 2025

FNB/BER Building Confidence Index

Tuesday
16 September 2025

Absa Manufacturing Survey

Thursday
25 September 2025

FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)

Tuesday
23 September 2025

Other Services Survey

Monday
22 September 2025

Retail Survey

Tuesday
30 September 2025

FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index

Monday
15 September 2025

Inflation Expectations Survey

Thursday
2 October 2025

Building Cost Report (BCIS)

The first working day of each month

Absa PMI

The first working day of each month

Update

The first week of each month

Trends

Every Friday (Enhanced and Free versions)

BER Weekly

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The BER Economist Internship Programme provides practical training to appropriately qualified previously disadvantaged individuals. The programme equips trainees to function as economists in the private and/or the public sector.

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