This week has some important local economic indicators, but how are things abroad? The Bureau of Economic Research's weekly newsletter gives a good summary of what to keep an eye on. How things are going in the European Union, or the British economy affects everyone in industries that export – from the miners to the vehicle manufacturers and the farmers. If our trading partners struggle it also dampens prospects in South Africa. On the other hand, slower growth of the world economy will ease pressure on the oil price and lower interest rates in the US will strengthen the rand-dollar exchange rate.

* The Economics Minute is supported by the NWU Business School.