The Reuters Econometer index fell to 235.6 in October, its lowest since September last year, compared with 241.51 in the previous month. GDP consensus for 2009 was for a fall of 1.91% before mild growth of 2.33% next year and 3.5% in 2011.

• Nedbank forecast lower full-year profits due to rising bad debts as its customers grapple with the country's first recession in 17 years. The bank expected headline earnings per share to be between 25% and 35% lower for 2009.

• Industrial group Barloworld expects to post a 40% to 50% drop in full-year earnings. The firm, which represents leading international brands such as Caterpillar earthmoving machines and Avis car hire, said earnings had been hit by a fall in operating profit, a stronger rand, restructuring charges and higher finance costs.

• New vehicle sales declined 16.9% in October from a year ago, the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of SA said.

• AngloGold Ashanti, the world's third-largest gold producer, lowered its annual production target for the second straight quarter. The company swung to a headline loss for the third quarter on costs related to trimming its hedge book as well as stronger currencies, rising wages and power charges.

Chief executive Mark Cutifani warned that steep electricity tariff hikes would erode profit margins and increase costs in the gold sector by between 15% and 20%. (See page 13, Money section.)

• Foreign investors were net sellers of South African stocks in the week ending October 30, selling equities worth R11.4-billion, the JSE said.

• Hosken Consolidated Investments, which controls leisure firm Johnnic Holdings and has a majority stake in commercial TV broadcaster e.tv, reported a 16% drop in first-half headline earnings on Friday.

• Insurer Mutual & Federal reported a 2% decline in premiums for the third quarter as trading conditions remained tough amid lower consumer spending.

• Retailer JD Group said full-year headline earnings per share might fall 80% to 90% due to a R409-million cost for tax and restructuring. JD Group, whose store chains include Morkels, Bradlows and Hi-Fi Corporation, said headline earnings to end-August were expected to be as much as 5% lower if tax and restructuring costs were disregarded.