South Africa’s leading economic indicator slipped in December 2025, suggesting a potential cooling in economic momentum heading into 2026. The composite index eased to 117.20% in December from 118.40% in November 2025.
While the indicator remains at an elevated level, the month-on-month decline points to softer forward-looking conditions. Leading indicators typically track variables such as business confidence, financial market trends and key activity measures, offering an early signal of the likely direction of the broader economy in the months ahead.
The latest data, updated on 24 February 2026, will be closely watched by investors and policymakers for confirmation of whether the December dip is a brief pause or the start of a more sustained moderation in South Africa’s growth outlook.
