3%. That is the latest inflation number for South Africa, with consumer inflation easing in February.
In today’s episode of Number of the Day, Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd unpack why that sounds like good news, but may not stay that way for long. February’s CPI print came in lower than January’s, but the conversation quickly shifts to what South Africans are likely to feel next: rising pressure from fuel, electricity and global oil shocks. Stats SA said headline inflation cooled to 3.0% from 3.5% in January, while Reuters and Business Day both pointed to the risk that the slowdown may prove temporary.
The hosts break down why a lower inflation number matters, why it could soon be wiped out, and how the outlook may affect hopes for more interest rate cuts this year.
Number of the Day: 3%.
Catch up on all Number of the Day episodes here: https://www.enca.com/number-day-podcast
