Recession, inflation, interest rates, income tax, exchange rates, junk bonds … We are bombarded with these terms every day, but what do they actually mean? And how do they affect you?

In this updated edition of Everyone’s Guide to the South African Economy, all these issues – and more – are addressed. The book clearly explains and evaluates a wide range of economic occurrences – from the budget and the rand/dollar exchange rate to the balance of payments and the role of the South African Reserve Bank.

The book investigates the causes and consequences of the 2008/2009 global financial and economic crisis, looks at the sub-Saharan African economy, and explores human development issues in South Africa and their implications for policy-making.

If you are baffled by the specialised jargon of economists and bankers and want to know more about the economic forces that subtly dictate your day-to-day existence, Everyone’s Guide to the South African Economy will put you in the picture. This is essential reading for every South African consumer and taxpayer. Economics, after all, is too important to be left to economists

André Roux has lectured in economics to undergraduate and postgraduate students since 1981. He is currently an associate professor at the Stellenbosch University Business School, where he is head of Futures Studies programmes.