In South Africa, a strong trade surplus, buoyed by robust commodity prices, will cushion our economy against pressure arising from US policy
A surprise widening of the current account deficit has been attributed to the high volume of imports and dividend and interest payments.
The rand may come under pressure, the US job market is expected to continue stabilising and London’s property boom appears to be fizzling.
The rand was volatile as it anticipated Tuesday’s release of data on the current-account deficit.
South Africa’s current-account deficit widened in the third quarter, partly due to a fall in receipts after the boost from the Soccer World Cup.
Inflows related to the Soccer World Cup helped narrow South Africa’s current-account deficit to a six-year low in the second quarter.
The deficit on South Africa’s current account widened more than expected in the first quarter.
The deficit on South Africa’s current account widened more than expected to 7% in the first quarter of 2009.
SA’s trade deficit widened to R12,1-billion in November largely due to higher vehicle imports and lower precious metals exports.
South Africa’s current account deficit widened to 7,9% of gross domestic product in the second quarter of 2008, partly due to a slower global economy.
