South Africa's Business Confidence Index (BCI) in July recorded the second highest reading this year at 84.3 points, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) has said.

The July 2010 figure of 84.3 points is 1.1 point above the July 2009 level following on June 2010's 84.8 points.

The figure has improved from the recession but it is still not good enough at the moment," said SACCI economist Richard Downing of the BCI'S composite weighted index of 13 sub-indices that include new vehicle sales and merchandise import and export volumes.

According to the chamber, the month of July 2010 renewed focus away from the sentiment of the World Cup and returned it to the economic reality of a domestic economy struggling to gain momentum.

"The Soccer World Cup 2010 was an exceptional success and although it raised expectations during June 2010, a special effort is required to sustain the positive momentum and enhance the business outlook. Stronger domestic demand and stronger posturing in the international trade environment are necessary to promote sustained improvements in business confidence."

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