We find a largely positive period of consumption in the months leading to October. Encouraging retail sales and food & beverage sales growth were reported for August. In September, the SA Consumer and Producer Price Index increased by 30bps and 100bps respectively. Business confidence improved from the August decline, and the ABSA PMI affirmed continued manufacturing weakness in SA. The rand slipped following the MTBPS, weakening past the ZAR14.00/USD mark and ending the month above the monthly average trading price to the dollar. Fuel prices continue to rise unabated.
