Investors eye new momentum as SA economy improves, says financial expert

Signs of economic optimism continue to build in South Africa, with investors asking how to take advantage.

Galileo Capital cofounder Warren Ingram says things are looking up for several reasons. One of them is South Africa's exit from the FATF grey list.

"Some people say we shouldn't have been on it in the first place, of course, that's true, but we're off it, and we did it, not in record time, but it actually was one of the quickest turnarounds."

Another plus, says Ingram, is that South Africa is finally starting to 'balance the books'.

"We were, as a country, spending a lot more than we were earning; we're actually now spending less than we earn."

And then there's the budget, which Ingram notes was passed without a fight.

"If there was fighting, you and I didn't hear about it; it seems to me largely a consensus," says Ingram.

The Government of National Unity (GNU) is pulling in a sensible direction, he adds.

Add to that slight positive improvements to the unemployment rate, and things are certainly looking better.

"What we've got now is that stone that's rolling down the hill. It's got momentum."

While none of these guarantees long-term growth, taken together they create a more favourable backdrop than South Africans have seen in years.

"Almost 2007 was the last time we had really good economic news; now we're having it again, and if you just keep doing the right thing, that momentum starts to build."

And it's not just South Africa that is watching and celebrating the upturn, says Ingram. The rest of the world is also watching.

"The ratings agencies are looking at what could go wrong, but they're saying things are going well and should carry on."

To listen to Ingram in conversation with Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, click below.