The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for South Africa came in at -13 in Q3 2026, up from -19 in Q2, which was the lowest reading since Q1 2025. The survey showed the improvement was largely underpinned by stronger confidence among lower-income households, which faced less exposure to recent interest-rate increases and benefited from easing food-price pressures. By contrast, confidence levels of high-income consumers, who have the greatest spending power in the economy, remains very low. Against this backdrop, uncertainty over the Middle East war and the prospect of higher interest rates are likely to keep consumer spending subdued in the months ahead. "Shoppers will likely remain cost-conscious and prioritise necessities over discretionary spending in the run-up to the festive season, suggesting that consumer spending growth will remain muted and that value-for-money retailers may outperform higher-end brands," FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya said. source: Bureau for Economic Research (BER)

Consumer Confidence in South Africa increased to -13 points in the third quarter of 2026 from -19 points in the second quarter of 2026. Consumer Confidence in South Africa averaged -2.57 points from 1982 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 26.00 points in the first quarter of 2018 and a record low of -36.00 points in the second quarter of 1985. This page provides the latest reported value for - South Africa Consumer Confidence - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. South Africa Consumer Confidence - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on September of 2026.

Consumer Confidence in South Africa increased to -13 points in the third quarter of 2026 from -19 points in the second quarter of 2026. Consumer Confidence in South Africa is expected to be -20.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the South Africa Consumer Confidence is projected to trend around -10.00 points in 2027 and -11.00 points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-06-23 08:25 AM
Consumer Confidence
Q2 -19 -7 -16
2026-09-17 08:00 AM
Consumer Confidence
Q3 -13 -19 -20
2026-12-04 08:00 AM
Consumer Confidence
Q4 -13 -17


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Prime Overdraft Rate 10.50 10.50 percent Jul 2026
Consumer Confidence -13.00 -19.00 points Sep 2026
Consumer Spending 3293073.00 3278973.00 ZAR Million Jun 2026
Disposable Personal Income 5145095.00 5095069.00 ZAR Million Mar 2026
Gasoline Prices 1.58 1.56 USD/Liter Aug 2026
Households Debt to GDP 33.70 33.70 percent of GDP Mar 2026
Households Debt to Income 61.90 62.70 percent Dec 2025
Personal Savings -1.30 -1.40 percent Mar 2026
Private Sector Credit YoY 7.41 7.77 percent Jul 2026
Retail Sales MoM 2.50 -0.80 percent Jul 2026
Retail Sales YoY 3.40 1.10 percent Jul 2026


South Africa Consumer Confidence
In South Africa, the BER Consumer Confidence Index covers 2,500 households in metropolitan areas, cities, towns and villages. The survey is made from personal at-home interviews and assesses general economic outlook, household’s economic condition and major spending purposes. The index is computed as the difference between the share of respondents expecting an improvement from the percentage expecting a deterioration. The indicator varies on a scale of -100 to 100; a value of -100 indicates extreme lack of confidence, 0 neutrality and 100 extreme confidence.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
-13.00 -19.00 26.00 -36.00 1982 - 2026 points Quarterly

News Stream
South Africa Consumer Confidence Edges Up In Q3
The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for South Africa came in at -13 in Q3 2026, up from -19 in Q2, which was the lowest reading since Q1 2025. The survey showed the improvement was largely underpinned by stronger confidence among lower-income households, which faced less exposure to recent interest-rate increases and benefited from easing food-price pressures. By contrast, confidence levels of high-income consumers, who have the greatest spending power in the economy, remains very low. Against this backdrop, uncertainty over the Middle East war and the prospect of higher interest rates are likely to keep consumer spending subdued in the months ahead. "Shoppers will likely remain cost-conscious and prioritise necessities over discretionary spending in the run-up to the festive season, suggesting that consumer spending growth will remain muted and that value-for-money retailers may outperform higher-end brands," FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya said.
2026-09-17
South Africa Consumer Confidence Slips in Q2
The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for South Africa plummeted to -19 in Q2 2026 from -7 in the previous period, marking the lowest since Q1 2025. The decline reflected weaker spending intentions as soaring fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict strained household budgets, especially among middle- and high-income groups. All three sub-indices declined, with the economic outlook sub-index slipping to -32 points from -14, while the household finances index dropped to zero from 12. FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya also noted some impact from the recent rate hike by the South African Reserve Bank, which could further weigh on sentiment in coming months.
2026-06-23
South Africa Consumer Sentiment at Over 1-Year High
The FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index for South Africa edged up to -7 in Q1 2026, the second consecutive quarterly increase, from -9 in the previous period. This was the highest reading since Q4 2024, supported by lower interest rates, soaring stock prices and a stronger currency. The survey, which was conducted before the Middle East conflict began in late February, showed improved confidence among high-income households. In contrast, lower-income groups grew more pessimistic due to weak employment growth in late 2025 and stricter social grant compliance rules. "Unfortunately, the ripple effects from the Iranian war may well see a U-turn in high- and middle-income confidence during the second quarter," said FNB Chief Economist Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya.
2026-03-24