Moody’s says South Africa budget credit negative; central bank flags growth fears

Moody’s says South Africa budget credit negative; central bank flags growth fears

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – Ratings agency Moody’s said on Monday the budget statement presented by South African Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba last week was credit negative, while a central bank official raised concerns over economic growth. Gigaba shocked markets on Oct. 25 by flagging sharply weaker growth expectations, wider deficits and rising government debt. The comments by Moody‘s, which along with S&P Global is expected to review South Africa’s credit ratings next month,…

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Analysts Eye South Africa Rate, Even If No Change Seen: Street Wrap

Analysts Eye South Africa Rate, Even If No Change Seen: Street Wrap

JOHANNESBURG (Capital Markets in Africa) – South Africa’s Reserve Bank faces a tricky interest-rate decision on Thursday. The nation’s economy unexpectedly fell into recession in the first quarter. Combating the slump with looser monetary policy may fan inflation, which slowed to within the central bank’s 3 percent to 6 percent target in April for the first time in eight months. It would also be problematic for international investors, given that the rand already has one of the worst…

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South African Reserve Bank Keeps Repurchase Rate at 6.00 percent

South African Reserve Bank Keeps Repurchase Rate at 6.00 percent

Johannesburg, South Africa, Capital Markets — The South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has unanimously decided to keep the repurchase rate unchanged at 6.0 percent, according to statement released by the Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. The statement stated that inflation outlook remains a concern for the Monetary Policy Committee, with the risks to the forecast assessed to be on the upside. Although two breaches of the target are…

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