South African Reserve Bank

The South African Reserve Bank MPC decided to keep the repurchase rate at its current level of 8.25% per year. The decision was unanimous. #SARBMPCMAY2024

Chart of the week on Absa Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) in August hosted Economics learners from schools around Upington in the Northern Cape's ZF Mgcawu Education District as part of an outreach programme.

Today’s launch of the SARB’s inaugural Payments Study Report in Johannesburg generated robust discussions on, among other things, the safety and convenience of the various payment methods and instruments. The study showcases key information around whether factors such as access, pricing, convenience and safety play a fundamental role in the public’s usage of the payment methods on offer. For more information, read the Payments Study Report here: https://lnkd.in/dycFsJHv Deputy Governor Rashad Cassim delivered the keynote address on the genesis and importance of payments studies. Read his speech here: https://lnkd.in/d4Sdwdz5

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB), the custodian of the national payment system, has today released its inaugural Payments Study Report. The study, the first of its kind in South Africa, uses individuals’ payment data and provides extensive insight into how the public perceives and uses various payment methods and instruments. Commissioned in 2023, the study provides information on how factors such as access, pricing and convenience inform consumer choices about payment methods. This information can be can be used by researchers, other regulators, policy makers and payment service providers to better understand consumer behaviour as well as potential opportunities and risks in the payments landscape. The information contained in the study can also assist in the design and implementation of more convenient, efficient and safer payment instruments and methods for South African consumers and businesses. For more information, read the study report here: https://lnkd.in/dycFsJHv

The South African Reserve Bank has released data on the current account of the balance of payments (BoP) for the second quarter of 2024 – a summary of transactions between SA residents and the rest of the world. It includes trade in goods and services, income and current transfers. The deficit on the current account of the balance of payments narrowed to R64.6 billion (0.9% of GDP) in the second quarter of 2024 from a revised R106.9 billion (1.5% of GDP) in the first quarter. To view the full statement on the current account of the balance of payments for the second quarter of 2024, click here: https://lnkd.in/dZgjeNTW

[SCHOLARSHIP ALERT] The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting prospective Master’s degree in Data Science and Machine Learning students to apply for a full scholarship for the 2025 academic year. Applications close on 31 October 2024. For more, click here: https://bit.ly/3Kt5sbu

[SCHOLARSHIP ALERT] The SA Reserve Bank (SARB) is inviting prospective Master’s degree in Data Science and Machine Learning students to apply for a full scholarship for the 2025 academic year. Applications close on 31 October 2024. For more, click here: https://bit.ly/3Kt5sbu

[BURSARY ALERT] The SA Reserve Bank invites Undergraduate students to join its bursary programme. Applications close on 30 September 2024. For application forms, click here: https://bit.ly/3X9eP7E

[BURSARY ALERT] The SA Reserve Bank invites Economics students to join its bursary programme. Applications close on 30 September 2024. For application forms, click here: https://bit.ly/3yMxjAI