FX.co ★ South Africa’s Consumer Sentiment Slips in March as IPSOS PCSI Edges Lower

South African consumer confidence weakened in March 2026, with the Thomson Reuters IPSOS Primary Consumer Sentiment Index (PCSI) easing to 47.51 from 48.57 in February 2026. The latest reading, updated on 12 March 2026, reflects a month-over-month decline in sentiment as households reassess their outlook on the economy, personal finances and spending.

The March figure marks a continuation of short-term volatility, with the “Actual” reading representing the change from February to March, while the “Previous” comparison captured the shift from January to February. Although the index remains just below the neutral 50-point threshold, the downtick suggests consumers are becoming slightly more cautious, which could have implications for domestic demand and business planning in the months ahead.