Economist Rian le Roux is Sake24’s Economist of the Year‚ Old Mutual Investment Group announced Friday.

The award is in recognition of his contribution in providing economic forecasts to businesses and people who cannot afford their own economic research‚ according to the Old Mutual statement.

Le Roux was one of 36 economists shortlisted for the award.

“I feel an immense sense of achievement when considering the economic service the competition provides to small businesses and individuals‚” Le Roux said.

As Old Mutual’s chief economist‚ Le Roux’s research is to provide insight and forecasts of how macroeconomic developments may affect financial markets.