ECB rate not influenced by inflation

The European Central Bank's key concern, inflation, shows no sign of abating but that is unlikely to push policymakers into an early interest rate hike, an analyst says.

• United Fed stands firm on stimulus
• Global economy to slow in 2011: WB
• Chinese forex reserves hit record

Factory data supports rate cut case

Manufacturing production surprised on the upside in July, but was well down on June's revised growth rate - strengthening the case for a cut in interest rates.

• SA rates among world's highest
• Sarb says policy should stabilise output
• Credit data support rate cut

Repo looks ripe for rate cut

Nineteen out of 23 economist polled expect the central bank to cut the repo rate this week.

• Marcus slams executives over pay
• Marcus: 3% growth won't create jobs
• Need for credit remains low

Consumers still battling

DESPITE 5,5 percentage points in interest rate cuts, consumers are still struggling to emerge from the recession, especially if you look at retail sales - which are still falling. Such sales don't include the vehicle manufacturing industry, which has emerged strongly from the recession. It seems consumers are holding back on other spending to enable them to buy cars and other durables.