Wednesday, March 19, 2008

S.Africa manufacturing confidence at 4-1/2 year low

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Confidence in South Africas manufacturing sector plunged to a 4-1/2 year low in the first quarter of 2008, hit by slowing consumer demand, higher input prices and power shortages, a new survey showed on Monday.

S.Africa finmin Manuel warns on current account, market turmoil

PRETORIA (Reuters) - South Africas large current account deficit is a major chink in its armour given a low savings rate and global financial market turmoil, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said on Monday.