The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has cut the Repurchase (repo) rate by 50 basis points.

The Reserve Bank has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% in line with market expectation.

Against the backdrop of a persistently sluggish economy, subdued market confidence and lower-than expected inflation.

Sentiment is a key driver of investor confidence and the residential property market is no different in this regard.

Growth in the value of outstanding credit balances in the South African household sector (R1 669,6 billion) was only slightly higher at 6,1% year-on-year (y/y) at the end of May 2019 from 6% y/y at end-April when outstanding balances came to R1 660,9 billion.

Growth in the value of outstanding credit balances in the South African household sector (R1 660,9 billion) remained relatively stable in the first four months of 2019, recorded at 6% year-on-year (y/y) at the end of April this year.

The value of outstanding credit balances in the South African household sector increased by 5,9% year-on-year (y/y) to R1 653,3 billion up to the end of February 2019 (3,9% y/y at end-February 2018), with growth in total credit balances as well as secured and unsecured credit balances remaining unchanged from end-January. 

With inflation currently below the mid-point of the Reserve Bank’s inflation target and economic growth remaining sluggish, the Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate steady at 6.75%, as expected.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has increased the repurchase rate (repo) by 25 basis points, effective 23 November, Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced on Thursday. 

The Firstrand economic team expects a 25 basis point interest rate hike this week when the SARB (South African Reserve Bank) MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) meets to deliberate on interest rates.