BER's economist tops SA poll

Filomena Scalise

Filomena Scalise

Published Jul 1, 2014

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Johannesburg - The Bureau for Economic Research's (BER) Hugo Pienaar was named Thomson Reuters South Africa economist of the year on Tuesday for being the most accurate forecaster of the country's data.

This is the fourth time the BER has won the award.

The research consultancy first clinched it in 2002.

Analysts were ranked according to their accuracy in forecasting economic outcomes for South Africa and the frequency of their participation.

The Econometer is a measure of economic sentiment based on a monthly poll of forecasts from leading economists, think-tanks,

and universities in South Africa and abroad.

The survey, which looks two years ahead, covers key economic indicators including gross domestic product (GDP) growth,

consumer and producer inflation, the current account, the repo rate and the 10-year government bond.

More than 25 economists from banks, fund managers, think-tanks and other corporations took part in the competition, now in its 14th year.

Previous South Africa Economist of the Year winners include Nico Kelder of the Industrial Development Corporation (2013),

Dennis Dykes of Nedbank (2012), Luke Doig of Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation (2011) and Dave Mohr of Citadel (2010).

Carmen Nel of Rand Merchant Bank was named best forecaster of GDP growth, while Frank Blackmore of KPMG South Africa was best forecaster of inflation.

The top 10 ranking of economists follows:

1 BER Hugo Pienaar

2 Meganomics Colen Garrow

3 Eskom Kabelo Masike

4 Credit Guarantee Insurance Luke Doig

5 Efficient Group Merina Willemse

6 RMB Morgan Stanley Andrea Masia

7 University Of Johannesburg Ilsé Botha

8 Public Investment Corporation Maureen Mashiane

9 Macquarie Securities Elna Moolman

10 KPMG South Africa Frank Blackmore - Reuters

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