Economy

STANLIB: Budget 2025: government makes a second attempt to satisfy all parties

Ashburton Investments’ Head of Fixed Income Albert Botha reacts to Budget 2025

There has been a raft of changes to the proposed budget from its previous iteration. The revised 2025 Budget reflects a delicate balancing act between fiscal consolidation, socio-economic priorities and political power balances, says Albert Botha, head of Fixed Income at Ashburton Investments.

Government says it feels your pain, makes a grab for more of your cash

The 2025 National Budget Speech ‘Take Two’ was one of the most anticipated events your writer can recall. Business owners, economists, journalists, politicians, and Jane and Joe Average were clustered around their preferred news feeds for the promised entertainment.

Consolidated Budget Speech commentary

There remains a strong commitment to fiscal consolidation, which is crucial. The debt-to-GDP ratio is still peaking this year but is expected to trend lower thereafter.