Repo rate expected to remain unchanged

Repo rate expected to remain unchanged

While unions are calling for an interest rate cut for Thursday afternoon, economists doubt the Reserve Bank will move on that front. 

Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Lesetja Kganyago
screenshot/Yotube SAReserveBank

The Monetary Policy Committee's been meeting to discuss what to do with the repo rate, which is currently 8.25%. 


Federation of trade unions Saftu says the 11.75% prime lending rate's placed a significant financial burden on the working class. 


Economist Azar Jammine says the rate is expected to drop before the end of this year.


"I think it is virtually certain that the repo rate will be left unchanged. What most eyes are going to be focused on especially mine is the tone of the statement of the Monetary Policy Committee. In recent times the rand has strengthened and so inflationary pressures have subsided somewhat.


"Fuel prices have also fallen, so we are looking for governor to give a hint that interest rates may well be reduced a little bit before the end of the year."


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