Risk Alert

The Risk Alert is a weekly two-page analysis of emerging political and economic risks. It provides guidance on how topical events, both locally and globally, will influence South Africa’s business and investment environment. The Risk Alert, presented in both PDF and audio formats, is published every Monday morning, — helping CRA clients to begin each week armed with the latest analysis of key events.

Risk Alert | Between a rock and a hard place

2 March 2022 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we explain why South African businesses are caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to dealing with hostile government policy.

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We also warn of increased anti-foreigner sentiment, and its growing use as a tool of political mobilisation in South Africa.

Looking at the global economy, we discuss whether the U.S. Federal Reserve will continue to hike interest rates, and also speculate on the decline of the U.S. Dollar as an international reserve currency.

Risk Alert | Is SA heading for recovery?

In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we explore whether the domestic economy has entered its long-awaited recovery.

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Can South Africa overcome the structural impediments to its growth, we ask?

Internationally, we look at inflation in developed markets and the unintended consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Risk Alert | Treasury uses the f-word

In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we highlight South Africa’s deteriorating fiscal position, which has been exacerbated by high government consumption and increased borrowing.

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We also unpack a warning from a senior National Treasury official, who recently said South Africa risked becoming a ‘failing state’.

Will Russia turn to China to rescue its battered economy, we ask?

Risk Alert | The Ukraine watershed

In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

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Does this mark the beginning of a new epoch in global politics, and how will the war impact South Africa?

We also look back on last week’s tabling of the National Budget, and what the Finance Minister’s speech tells us about the prospects for reform within the current administration.

Risk Alert | Running out of dance moves

21 February 2022 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we explain why you should not hold your breath waiting for substantive reforms to come from the current administration.

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We also discuss the International Monetary Fund’s warning to South Africa’s banks about their growing portfolio of government debt, and the risk this poses to financial stability.

Why is Canada's Liberal government invoking emergency powers, and will this undermine Canadian democracy?

Risk Alert | Nothing ‘fundamental’ about Ramaphosa’s reforms

14 February 2022 - In this week's exclusive client Risk Alert, we explore the ramifications of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

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Were the policy reforms announced by the President as 'fundamental' as he portrayed in his speech, and does his Cabinet have the will and the capacity to implement these reforms?

We look abroad to the looming war between Russia and Ukraine, and explore the impact this will have on global markets and inflation.