An index measuring South African economic transactions fell to a 10-month low in October after a strike at the State-owned port and rail operator hobbled exports, suggesting a weak start to the final quarter. The BankservAfrica Economic Transactions Index, which tracks interbank payments, dropped to 130.7 from a revised 131 in September, signalling ongoing strain in the economy, independent economist Elize Kruger said in a statement. Labour unions at Transnet went on a 12-day pay strike last month curtailing mineral, agricultural and manufacturing exports. The Minerals Council South Africa estimated that the industrial action cost mining companies about R815-million a day. In addition to the strike and ongoing power cuts, “the economy has also been buckling under the significant rise in the cost of living,” said Kruger.