The good and bad in 2019 economic outlook
As the national elections come to the fore, the key issues investors will be watching are whether the Reserve Bank will continue to hike interest rates, clarity around land reform and growth forecasts
As SA limps out of 2018 with expected growth below 1% and its final investment grade still in tow, attention is moving to 2019 — an election year with a lot riding on it. With national and provincial elections looming, President Cyril Ramaphosa will come under intense scrutiny to revitalise SA’s tepid economy and make a dent on the unemployment rate, which is nearing 30%. Among the key issues investors will be watching are clarity around land reform, growth forecasts and whether the Reserve Bank will continue to hike interest rates. The 2019 election A poll by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) on a possible voter turnout of 69% — which it considers likely — put ANC support at 59%, the DA at 22% and a negligible change in support for the EFF. However, analysts believe political uncertainty is likely to increase ahead of the 2019 elections. “Clarity on expropriation without compensation is still outstanding, while political parties are seeking increased leverage in a number of are...
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