In this episode of Number of the Day, Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd examine why 200% has rattled global markets.

The number of the day is €93 billion — the scale of retaliatory tariffs the European Union is considering if the United States moves ahead with new trade penalties. T

In this episode of Number of the Day, Francis Herd and Gareth Edwards examine the scale of South Africa’s illicit cigarette trade, now estimated at 75% of daily sales.

Francis Herd and Gareth Edwards unpack why a 2.6% global growth forecast from the World Bank is both reassuring and worrying and what it means for South Africa.

In this episode of Number of the Day, Francis Herd unpacks why 284 words spoken by the chair of the US Federal Reserve were enough to unsettle global markets.

Today’s Number of the Day is 0, the number of letters the Post Office delivered from Francis Herd’s test. After mailing seven letters across the country two months ago, none arrived. This episode unpacks what the result says about SAPO’s service collapse, why the Post Office is in business rescue, and whether South Africa still needs a national mail system.

The Federal Reserve’s anticipated 25 basis point interest rate cut marks a significant moment for global financial markets and for emerging economies like South Africa.

Today’s Number of the Day is –9, the latest Consumer Confidence Index reading from FNB and the BER. Francis Herd and Rofhiwa Madzena explain why confidence remains negative, how households are coping with high living costs, and what this means for festive spending and economic recovery. A sharp, data-driven snapshot of the financial mood across South Africa.

The Number of the Day is 18 600; the number of Kia vehicles recalled in South Africa due to braking and safety defects. Gareth Edwards and Francis Herd explain what models are affected, why 2025 recalls have surged, and what this means for motorists. A clear, urgent breakdown of a fast-growing consumer safety concern.

Here's a view of the numbers that highlight South Africa's political economy in the last week.

South Africa’s rand traded at R17 to the dollar, marking one of its strongest levels in nearly three years.

South Africans are paying 29 cents more for petrol after a price increase took effect at one minute past midnight.

South Africa’s retail economy has seen November rise in importance, with the month contributing 9.7 percent of all annual retail trade sales in 2024.

Pinkfong, the South Korean company behind Baby Shark, made a very strong market debut when its shares jumped 60 percent on the first day of trading in Seoul.