Fortunately, interest rates remain at 25-year lows and are expected to remain low over the coming year. |
Given the still relatively robust domestic demand and an anticipated pick-up in fixed investment spending, the trade balance should continue to trend weaker. |
Gross reserves rose by a further $0.742m in December 2005 to $20.65bn. |
South Africa is screaming out for a broad-based policy response to deal with these obstacles. |
The conclusion must be drawn that some of us are living beyond our means. |
There's even an outside chance of a budget surplus. |
We expect there will be tax cuts for individuals and across the board. The minister [of finance] has been blessed with a revenue service that's keen to do its job. But can government spend the money effectively? That's got to be the focus. |
We need infrastructure spending and spending that creates jobs. |
We think there will be an announcement on exchange controls in the Budget or around the time of the Budget. |