A year of economic recovery and better financial markets, both in South Africa and globally. That’s what 2021 will go down for.

The Covid-19 vaccine roll-out locally and internationally is a key driver of this recovery, following the massive financial fallout from the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020.

In South Africa, the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng shocked the nation and dented economic recovery efforts. The riots will no doubt be a blot in the country’s post democratic history.

Despite this, the economy is likely to still see positive GDP growth of around 5% for 2021. The rebound was also seen in the markets, with the JSE breaking through a new record – beyond the key 70 000-point mark.

Fitch Ratings’ recent unexpected upgrade of its outlook on South Africa’s credit rating from negative to stable, is some good news to end off the year on. So is the fact that the Omicron variant is proving less severe (from an hospitalisation and death rate perspective) than originally feared.

Let’s hope it stays that way, because 2022 is going to be a tough year. We are going to see GDP moderate significantly, back to rates our country is more accustomed to. The repo rate being in a hiking cycle is another thing to watch.

However, let’s look to the new year with optimism. Who knows, South Africa may surprise on the upside.

We would like to take this time to thank everyone in the Moneyweb community for your support this year.

Moneyweb will be taking a short break from today. Our website will continue as usual, but all our newsletters, as well as the MoneywebNOW morning livestream and podcast, will only resume on January 10 next year.

If you need support during this time, our helpdesk will be available via email at help@moneyweb.co.za

Wishing you a safe and happy festive season.

Regards, Suren Naidoo Debuty Editor, Moneyweb