FinMin Says Key Reforms Can Boost Growth above 2%; Analysts Eye Fuel Price Rises

LOCAL NEWS

• FinMin Godongwana says structural reforms in energy, telecoms, water supply, transport & the visa regime are expected to raise SA’s economic growth above 2% and boost jobs by over a million.
  • Says successful implementation of private investors in transport can free up R58bn – BusinessDay
• Analysts warn of a significant petrol price increase next month. Economist Dawie Roodt says government’s emergency fuel levy intervention coming to an end would lead to A R1.50 per litre increase in petrol on top of market fluctuations.
  • He stressed that the government could do little to cushion consumers from further hikes, as prices are driven by factors outside its control. - EWN
• Old Mutual fund managers say they are riding out volatility and have identified buying opportunities in SA bonds after inflation peaks. Says it remains resolute in its overweigh SAGB position due to solid real yield differentials over DM – BusinessDay
• State rate company Transnet says it expects better performance, despite billions lost to vandalism. Says it has raised R12.9bn and is progressing with refinancing initiatives. The firm reported improvements in operational performance vs last year – BusinessDay