SA in 2005, the Financial Mail publication of forecasts for the year ahead will attempt to answer questions such as these and others, when it hits the shelves on December 3 this year. With some of the best writers in the country, this special publication is a must-have for anyone planning for the year ahead.
The FM has interrogated leading economists' predictions for next year. The results are telling - GDP growth, far from the optimistic views currently held, is expected to slide slightly in 2005 to 3.4%. Inflation will be on the up, expected to average 5% at the key CPIX level used for monetary policy during next year. As a result interest rates are expected to be slightly higher with average expectations of prime at 11.8% as opposed to the current 11%. Good news, though, is that the FM predicts that the oil price is likely to drop from its record current highs of over $50/barrel to $36.7/barrel.
SA in 2005 also forecasts the top performing investments for next year. It tips local and foreign equities as the best performing asset class over the top performer of 2004, property. Banking stocks are expected to be top of the class. Containing the thoughts and predictions of the best minds available to the Financial Mail, this special publication will be a thought provoking look into the year ahead. For anyone interested in what gamble, what risk, what good idea to take next year, this is an essential sneak preview based on the opinions of expert in their fields.
The FM has a now established reputation for its quality special publications - Little Black Book, Empowerment Index, Decade of Democracy, Adfocus. Authoritative, concise, well researched and analytical, the FM is respected in the marketplace for the excellence of its publications.
Politics, sport, economics and investment all come under the spotlight. (But far from crystal ball gazing, the FM predictions are based on sound analytical thesis) as the FM seeks the solutions to those burning questions we'd all like to have answers to ahead of the day itself. Expert writers such as Mark Gleeson and Luke Alfred discuss sport, Aubrey Matshiqi, Steven Friedman and Judith February examine the world of politics and Dianna Games, Robin Lee, Andrew McNulty and Itumeleng Mahabane stick their necks out with some brave and interesting economic predictions.
Based around opinion pieces, forecasts, background information and more, SA in 2005 promises to be a fascinating read, whether you are interested in sport, science, politics, economics or the world of inventions. Looking at all the crucial issues that face South Africa and the region next year, this informed read is essential for anyone hoping to get the jump on emerging trends and ideas for the coming year.
