Surveys, Reports and Ratings / General

Stronger employer performance boosts SME activity in South Africa

The Absa SME Index for South Africa rose to the highest levels in four years with employer numbers increasing 6% year on year. Self-employment showed a slight decrease from first quarter of 2013. The index showed two consecutive quarters of growth in the number of employers.

Life insurance confidence falls for second quarter consecutively although life companies satisfied with business conditions

In a quarterly survey released today, EY reports that life insurance confidence fell for the second consecutive quarter in the third quarter of 2013, and is now also below 2012 levels . Confidence levels fell from 83 index points in the second quarter of 2013 to 67 currently from a high of 95 in quarter 1 of 2013. This means that life insurers are no longer the most confident in financial services.

Survey reveals SA engineers concerned about infrastructure spend and education

Survey of SA doctors reveal concerns over staffing shortages and restrictions of PMBs

A PPS survey conducted among South African doctors has revealed that their primary concerns are staffing levels at hospitals as well as the restrictions of Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) by medical schemes. However, respondents are optimistic about their involvement in the National Health Initiative (NHI).