John Roos

John started his career as an economist in the National Treasury in the 1990s. Thereafter, he became the Southern African Macroeconomist for Global Insight (now S&P Global). From 2000 to 2005, he was at Absa Bank, co-ordinating its economic forecasting process. In 2004, he was named Reuters Economist of the Year.

From 2006 to 2018, he pursued an acquired passion for housing market analysis at First National Bank (FNB), where he produced some of the leading housing market analysis in South Africa at the time. His analysis of the pre-2008 housing bubble taught him how “irrational” economic decision-making can be when greed and over-exuberance take hold of a market — and how painful the aftermath can be.

From late 2018 to early 2026, he spent the remainder of his time with FNB at the bank’s Commercial Property Finance Unit, undertaking commercial property analysis.

New Beginnings, New Purpose…

Independent Economist with a Household Sector and Housing Market Focus

In 2026, John began a new and exciting phase of his career, returning to focus on the economics of the Household Sector — in which his Housing Market analysis once more became a key priority — with the financial health, mindset and well-being of the Household Sector key to understanding Housing Market performance.

Additionally, he promotes the Economics of Hope, Motivation and Well-Being. He believes that South Africa has the ingredients for a far more successful economy and society right under its nose, with ample pockets of excellence and “winners” who can be studied, learnt from, and whose winning principles can be replicated in the broader economy. He believes that this is slowly starting to happen — and that South Africa can ultimately prosper to a far greater extent, which would translate into its Housing Market performing far better.

Many people in the Property Market will know John, who has addressed them on the economy, the property market, and his talks themed around “Hope, Optimism, What Winners Do and Why”.

John believes in the importance of sport — not only for physical health benefits, but also because of the mental and economic lessons it brings.

Describing himself as a "social endurance sport junkie", he has completed a list of events and adventures that include the Comrades Marathon, the Ironman Triathlon, ultra mountain running races, a myriad of ultra-unsupported cycling races and adventures spanning the length and breadth of beautiful South Africa, and a walk up Africa’s highest mountain.

John’s experience as an economist, along with his broader life experiences, has been combined to build a compelling and entertaining offering as an economist, strategist, keynote speaker, and event MC.

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