SA fourth-quarter data fuels recovery hopes

South Africa's current account deficit narrowed to a 4-1/2 year low in the last quarter of 2009 while household spending and employment rebounded, virtually ruling out chances of an interest rate cut this week.

The central bank said in its latest quarterly bulletin released on Tuesday that the current account gap dipped to a smaller-than-expected 2,8 percent of GDP from a downwardly revised 3,1 percent the previous quarter, aided by higher exports and a drop in dividends paid to foreign investors.

Economists had forecast 3,6 percent for the fourth quarter.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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