More roll in dough

South Africans have become about a quarter wealthier over the past year despite the struggling economy.

Household net wealth grew to R7.875-trillion by the end of June, according to the Household Wealth index released by Momentum and Unisa yesterday.

About 52% of households' debt is made up of bonds taken on their homes.

Interest rates were at a historical low between July 2012 and January, helping many to reduce their debt.

The real boon has been the stock market's performance.

About two-thirds of South Africans' assets are in retirement funds and other financial investments.

The JSE All Share index was 29.4% higher at the end of June than a year previously.