Publications
Partners
Data from fintech group Altron has shown that the overall ability of SA's households to take on and service debt improved a little in the third quarter of 2023, lifted by a few major indicators, including pay of public servants. But there are signs the index is "in a trough" given in a weak economy and higher interest rates, Altron said, having been supported recently by SA's improved employment picture.
The Altron Fintech Household Financial Resilience Index (Afhri), compiled by economist Roelof Botha, picked up 0.8 points on a quarterly basis to 109.9 in the three months to end-September, also helped by both increased public and private sector employment, higher annuities, as well as a higher value for unit trust assets.
The index figure means that SA's household finances are almost 10% more healthy than the first quarter of 2014, which is used as a benchmark, and it was little changed on a year-on-year basis.
