Business confidence creates opportunity for sustained economic recovery
1 March 2000
News
Economic activity is gaining momentum in response to the business confidence level that rapidly improved since June 1999. According to the figures of the Business Confidence Index (BCI) released by the SA Chamber of Business (Sacob), November reached 105,5 points, the highest level recorded since February 1990, maintaining these high levels throughout December 1999 into January 2000, despite the problems posed by Y2K.
The January BCI of 109,9 points was the highest level since it was first published in 1985. The slight increase in headline inflation was the only indicator negatively influencing the BCI, states Sacob.
Other financial indicators remained fairly stable during the holiday period while real indicators underpinned the underlying business confidence level. Manufacturing expectations for the next twelve months, as reflected by SACOB's Manufacturing Survey, were also more positive as the outlook for sales and output increased further. Sixty-four percent of the respondents were positive about the overall prospects for the year ahead, it said.
Conclusions from Sacob is that it is of utmost importance that by removing remaining impediments to the orderly functioning of the economy, the present upbeat business mindset can be enhanced to take advantage beyond the present cyclical upturn in the economy. Clear indications on economic policy will endorse the confidence of business on the way ahead in order to improve and maintain expectations. Attaining a more sustainable economic growth path over the longer term could smooth the volatile cyclical swings that are a characteristic of the South African economy.
A more predictable economic environment will, however, not only contribute to domestic business confidence, but should also improve South Africa's position as a fixed investment destination as judged by international credit rating institutions. Sacob says the formalisation of the International Investment Council further reinforces this possibility.
For further information about Sacob see www.sacob.co.za
Further reading:
From the editor’s desk: Windows 10’s end of support arrives bringing industrial risks
Technews Publishing
News
By the time you read this column, support for non-LTSC editions of Windows 10 will have ended, officially having their last day on 14 October 2025. This means no more security patches, feature updates,
...
Read more...
Electronic News Digest
News
A brief synopsis of current global news relating to the electronic engineering fields with regards to company finances, general company news, and engineering technologies.
Read more...
Correction: Marijana Abt, Rebound Electronics
News
In the August issue of
Dataweek magazine, the article titled ‘Celebrating innovation, leadership, and the next generation’ featured Marijana Abt, senior account manager at Rebound Electronics. Owing
...
Read more...
Trasna and RF Design announce distribution agreement
RF Design
News
Trasna and RF Design have announced a strategic distribution agreement for cellular IoT solutions which will ensure seamless availability of Trasna’s cellular connectivity solutions.
Read more...
Local partnership puts demand-side management to work in South Africa
News
Sensor Networks has partnered with European demand-side management specialist ThermoVault to bring advanced load-shifting capabilities to one of the country’s biggest energy consumers: the household geyser.
Read more...
Hisense SA launches year-long learnership programme for youth
News
Hisense SA’s manufacturing plant in Atlantis recently welcomed 100 young people from the local community, to embark on a year-long learnership and skills development programme.
Read more...
Comtest hosts channel partners
Comtest
News
Comtest, together with FLUKE, recently set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon as they welcomed over 80 Channel Partners to their annual celebration of excellence.
Read more...
RS South Africa and Qhubeka empower learners through the gift of mobility
RS South Africa
News
Through its bicycle donation initiative, 354 bicycles have been distributed to date, empowering students to access education more easily by reducing the physical and economic barriers posed by long daily commutes.
Read more...
Deca and SST announce strategic collaboration
News
The collaboration provides customers with a modular, memory-centric foundation for advanced multi-die architectures.
Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions transitions to new name: Montgomery Group Africa
News
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment, and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.
Read more...
printer friendly version