Maize hits a high, auto market down

SOUTH Africa raised its 2014 maize output forecast by more than 2% to 14.307 million tons as good weather helped to produce the biggest harvest in more than three decades. It should contain food prices and lift sluggish growth.

SOUTH Africa raised its 2014 maize output forecast by more than 2% to 14.307 million tons as good weather helped to produce the biggest harvest in more than three decades. It should contain food prices and lift sluggish growth.

WOOLWORTHS gained market share. Diluted earnings per share rose 9.5% to R3.63 in the year ending June 29, as sales gained 13% to R39.9-billion. Woolworths won customers with a focus on high-end consumers.

DEPUTY President Cyril Ramaphosa said government will aim to give business more clarity on its policies to boost confidence and investment. He said government remains committed to its plan to lift growth to 5%.

GROWTH in credit demand from the private sector quickened to 9.77% year-on-year in July, from a revised 8.63% in June, central bank data showed. Economists expected credit growth to quicken to 9%.

THE Public Investment Corporation, which holds shares worth 13% of the stocks traded on the JSE , plans to use its influence to curb executive pay, appoint chairmen and promote better governance.