While the latest business confidence index (BCI) figures show improvements, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) warned that a number of economic developments, such as a decline in investor confidence, were at odds with improved business prospects.

After recording a 3,3 point improvement in August, the BCI rose by a further 0,2 points in September to 87,8 points - the highest level in two years.

Sacci noted that the index has been showing gradual quarterly improvements since the start of this year, with the pace of the momentum further accelerating in the third quarter of the year.

Ten of the subindices of the BCI recorded year-on-year improvements in September, with only the share price and building construction indices at levels below that of 2009.

The new vehicle sales index remained neutral in September.

Despite the improvements in the BCI, Sacci expressed concern that the improvements in confidence levels could be compromised if it was not supported by consistent policy messages and approaches.

"Ill-conceived demands for debate around drastic economic policy shifts contribute to confusion in the business environment and deter foreign investors," the organisation stated.