Poging GOUD - Vrij
Sentiment among consumers edges up in the first quarter but Iran conflict poses fresh risks
The Mercury
|March 25, 2026
SOUTH African consumer confidence showed a modest improvement in the first quarter of 2026, but economists warn that escalating global tensions could quickly reverse these gains.
The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for the first quarter released on Tuesday rose slightly to -7 index points in the first quarter of 2026, up from -9 in the previous quarter. While still in negative territory, the latest reading marks the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2024.
The improvement was largely driven by a rebound in sentiment among high-income households. Confidence in this group surged from -12 to -4, supported by a combination of factors including withdrawals under the Two-Pot retirement system, lower interest rates, strong stock market performance and a firmer rand.
According to the index, most of the survey fieldwork was completed before the 2026 Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, which was generally well received and is expected to further support sentiment.
Dit verhaal komt uit de March 25, 2026-editie van The Mercury.
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