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Consumer Confidence Rebounds — Are Retailers in for a Blockbuster Festive Season?

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GUEST - Nomvelo Moima – Junior Economist, Bureau for Economic Research (BER)

South African shoppers are finding their spark again. The latest FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index shows a rebound to -9 in Q4, the strongest reading of 2025, a signal that festive-season spending could be far livelier than many expected.

After a bruising few years marked by high interest rates, fuel spikes and economic uncertainty, consumers are finally feeling a little more optimistic. Retail sales have already grown 3.9% year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2025, and the latest jump in confidence suggests the momentum may carry firmly into the holiday rush.
9 Dec 2025 3PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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