General
Publications & Data
Join the conversation
Social Links
Social Links
New Website Feature: The BER is excited to launch, in beta version, the “BER data playground”. This feature allows users to view, track and compare various datasets from Stats SA and the SARB. Although this is a beta version, it provides quick and easy access to key economic data and statistics in one, centralised, place.
South Africa needs economic growth. The BER is launching the Impumelelo Economic Growth Lab, a new independent hub for analytical research capacity to support economic reform. Impumelelo (“success”) will work closely with government, business and broader society to unlock economic growth.
The Bureau for Economic Research’s highly respected economic analysis and forecasting services have made it a household name in SA and an invaluable partner to both business and government.
20.98/litre
20.19/litre
2.8% y-o-y
-0.7%
0.4% y-o-y
11.25 %
0.9% y-o-y
-1.2% y-o-y
BER Weekly | 29 November
The FNB/BER Building Confidence Index was unchanged at 40 in 2024Q4. The stable sentiment reading masks a noticeable improvement in conditions among main contractors with respect to activity, employment and overall profitability. However, looking ahead, still weak order books suggest that further growth could be limited.
Following unchanged confidence in Q3, the latest Absa Manufacturing Survey showed that business confidence in the factory sector gained 8 points to reach a level of 36 in 2024Q4. This is the highest confidence level since 2022Q1; it is the first time in almost three years that confidence is above 30 points.
The release calendar will be updated each quarter. Please note that these dates may change.
Wednesday
20 November 2024
RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI)
Monday
25 November 2024
FNB/BER Building Confidence Index
Wednesday
27 November 2024
Absa Manufacturing Survey
Wednesday
4 December 2024
FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index (CCI)
Thursday
5 December 2024
Other Services Survey
Monday
9 December 2024
Retail Survey
Thursday
12 December 2024
FNB/BER Civil Confidence Index
Thursday
12 December 2024
Inflation Expectations Survey
Thursday
9 January 2025
Building Cost Report (BCIS)
The first working day of each month
Absa PMI
The first working day of each month
Update
The first week of each month
Trends
Every Friday
BER Weekly
In this report we review recent trends in the SA building industry, together with the input costs and the tender prices of building contractors, as measured by the BER Building Cost Index. This unique index is based on accepted building tenders. The report ends with a presentation of the relevant data and forecasts.
The BER Economist Internship Programme provides practical training to appropriately qualified previously disadvantaged individuals. The programme equips trainees to function as economists in the private and/or the public sector.
