Shireen Darmalingam Quotations

Should the dollar price of oil continue to soar as oil supply from the world's major oil producers is threatened, a substantial increase in the rand-denominated value of imports could follow.

Trade deficits in the final quarter of last year, as measured by the South African Revenue Service, suggest that the Bank's trade reporting will reflect a similar trend of rising deficits.

While growing 5,6% (in January) compared with January last year, production in the sector declined on a seasonally adjusted basis by 2,7% from December.

The residential property market continues to be buoyant even though growth in house prices has softened substantially from last year's peak.

Increased aversion in emerging market countries during March resulted in the rand losing ground against its major trading partners.

Imported vehicles are flooding the market, and have helped contain local prices over the past year.

However, household-debt levels are seen as a concern, with households finding themselves in some difficulty if debt-servicing costs increase.