Economists still expect rate cut despite inflation rising to 1-year high

ECONOMISTS remain optimistic that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will cut interest rates from 7.00% to 6.75% per annum when the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets on Thursday, despite consumer inflation rising to its highest level in more than a year.

- SIPHELELE DLUDLA

Data from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday showed that annual headline consumer inflation rate accelerated for the second month in a row to 3.6% in October, from 3.4% in September.

Though this inflation reading was below analysts' estimates of 3.7%, it was the highest inflation print since September 2024 when the rate was 3.8%.

Stats SA chief director of price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said the latest increase was driven largely by transport, recreation and culture, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, as well as housing, food and nonalcoholic beverages.