Inflation above 6%, but outlook positive

24/02/2010

South Africa’s headline CPI advanced 6.2 percent in the year to January 2010, slightly lower than December’s 6.3 precent. The increase in the inflation rate to above 6 percent during the past two months was expected because of petrol price changes a year ago.



>> SA CPI inflation above 6 percent January 2010 24 February 2010.pdf

SA economy picked up in 4th quarter

23/02/2010
The South African economy recovered further in the fourth quarter as most sectors recorded positive growth. Real activity improved 3.2 percent (saar) in the quarter, although real GDP decreased 1.8 in 2009. The pickup in local economic activity in the second half of 2009 was in line with global trends.

>> SA SA economy picked up in fourth quarterGDP q4 2009 23 February 2010.pdf

Retail sector slowly improving

17/02/2010

Local retail sales picked up towards the end of 2009 but the sector still struggled to get out of recession. Fourth quarter real sales, seasonally adjusted, were slightly down on the third quarter.



>> SA Retail sector slowly improving sales December 2009 17 February 2010.pdf

Manufacturing to boost 4th qtr GDP

11/02/2010
Manufacturing production continued its recovery in December and the first time since September 2008 production was also higher than a year ago. Manufacturing production increased more than 3 percent in the forth quarter and will make a positive contribution to forth quarter GDP growth. The improvement in manufacturing production was driven by inventory building and better economic conditions.

>> SA Manufacturing to boost forth quarter Min and manuf December 2009 11 Feb 2010.pdf

Government finances under pressure

04/02/2010

South Africa’s government finances did not deteriorate further in December and the fiscal deficit for the year as a whole is still expected to be around 8 percent of GDP. Revenue continued to run lower than the revised budget while expenditure remained ahead of budget.



>> SA Government Finance December 2009 4 Feb 2010.pdf