South African consumer sentiment advanced in the fourth quarter to the highest level for 2025, in an encouraging sign for household confidence heading into the holiday season.<\/p>\n
A quarterly index measuring consumer sentiment increased to -9 in the three months through December from -13 in the previous quarter, FirstRand\u2019s First National Bank said on Tuesday. The increase was captured in a survey that took place last month.<\/p>\n
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\u201cApart from a further interest rate cut and an appreciation in the rand exchange rate, a number of other positive developments likely buoyed consumer sentiment towards the end of the year,\u201d said FNB chief economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya said. \u201cThese developments suggest that retail tills will jingle a merry tune during the 2025 festive season.\u201d<\/p>\n
The South African Reserve Bank cut interest rates at its meeting last month and is expected to ease monetary policy again in 2026.<\/p>\n
Read: A calculated cut: Sarb eases interest rates<\/p>\n
The biggest improvement in confidence was reported in the durable goods, jumping to -14 index points from -20, the highest level in six years. The FNB release adds to other positive data suggesting that Africa\u2019s most industrialised economy is regaining momentum, including S&P Global Ratings lifting the country\u2019s credit rating for the first time in two decades.<\/p>\n
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Read: South Africa\u2019s ratings upgraded by S&P Global<\/p>\n
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