{
  "id": 9360312,
  "title": "MPC hikes policy rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/mpc-hikes-policy-rate-by-25-basis-points-to-7-25",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T13:47:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/mpc-hikes-policy-rate-by-25-basis-points-to-7-25/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The South African Reserve Bank has increased the policy rate by 25 basis points to 7.25% in response to growing global disruptions and inflation concerns. Governor Lesetja Kganyago cited geopolitical tensions and a recent rise in fuel prices as contributing factors that could push domestic inflation above the 3% target. The global shocks have led the bank to project medium-term growth of around 2%, with risks favoring the downside. The local economy contracted by 0.2% in the second quarter, and the central bank has raised its near-term inflation forecasts. Kganyago expects headline inflation to exceed 5% later this year and early next year, before it declines as the fuel shock eases, targeting around 3% by the end of 2027. CPI Stats SA data showed annual consumer inflation rose to 4.4% in August from 4.3% in July. Analysts predict fuel prices will continue to rise in October, posing challenges for motorists.",
  "summary": "Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says the global shocks are hurting the economy.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}