SA Economic Indicators: for the month of May 2013

SA Economic Indicators for the month of May 2013 © 2013 Trade Intelligence SA Economic Indicators Exchange Rate Updated June 2013 Source: X-Rates.com Euro officially launched 2008/2009 Recession & election uncertainty Euro debt crisis Rand weakens due to trade deficit and low confidence in economy Rand fallout

SA Economic Indicators for the month of May 2013 © 2013 Trade Intelligence SA Economic Indicators Exchange Rate Updated June 2013 Source: X-Rates.com Rand weakens following turmoil in mining industry Rand weakens following news of GDP slump

SA Economic Indicators for the month of May 2013 © 2013 Trade Intelligence SA Economic Indicators Exchange Rate COMMENTARY The rand fell to a new four-year low in late May, its weakest level since March Its lowest level was R10.08 against the US dollar on 31 May 2013 It fell as much as 16% against the Euro when compared to May 2012 This was due to disappointing GDP growth figures which shocked the markets Renewed union talks in the mining sector which might lead to further unrest is adding to the instability of the rand The current weakness of the rand could however help to ease the trade deficit thanks to cheaper exports Analysts are however generally optimistic that our currency will recover in the first 2 weeks of June The dive of the rand has also been attributed to global factors – both the Australian and Canadian dollars experienced sharp declines during the period Average Rates by Month and % Change YOY May 2012May 2013 US$R8.16R9.33 (-14%) €R10.45R12.11 (-16%) £R12.99R14.27 (-10%)

SA Economic Indicators for the month of May 2013 © 2013 Trade Intelligence Disclaimer These materials and the information contained herein are collated by TI* referencing a wide range of public domain data sources, face-to-face interviews, retailer presentations and financial reports, and are intended to provide general information about the South African consumer goods trading environment and selected retailers, and are not intended as an exhaustive treatment of such subjects. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information published in this work is accurate, your use of these and the information contained herein is at your own risk. The information is not intended to be relied upon as the sole basis for any decision which may affect you or your business, and TI makes no express or implied representations or warranties regarding the accuracy of the information herein. TI will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages or any other damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, statute, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), or otherwise, relating to the use of these materials and the information contained herein. TI expressly disclaims all implied warranties, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, title, fitness for a particular purpose, non- infringement, compatibility, security, and accuracy. * TI refers to The Retail Workshop (Pty) Ltd trading as Trade Intelligence For further information: +27 (0) / Other Sources ABSA Agri Trends; BizCommunity; Bloomberg; Business Day; Business Report; Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Financial Mail; Finweek; Fin 24; The Mercury; Reuters; Stanlib, Sunday Times; Sunday Tribune; The Times ; thesouthafrican.com CONTACT : For Content Queries Katia Benedetti | Associate Writer tel +27 (0) Contact and Disclaimer CONTACT : For Account Management Queries Annomi Kriel | Account Manager tel: +27 (0)