Local markets shift focus to the SARB’s MPC meeting today which could confirm a possible interest rate cut.
Speculation is that Governor Lesetja Kganyago could cut the interest rate by 25bps. Following Moody’s decision………
Continue reading…
Are there more good news on it’s way with SARB meeting today
Credit Ratings Agency Moody’s shows us the light
Friday night ended on a high, with no dreaded downgrade from credit ratings agency Moody’s.
The announcement was greatly welcomed as it was supported with the outlook being changed to stable, which looks to restore some
Continue reading…
SA “Moody” over inflation and dollar strength
The rand strengthened overnight despite US inflation and expected US interest rate hikes.
Future US inflation is predicted to break the Feds 2% target, forcing the powers that be to increase interest rates
Continue reading…
Resolute rand – The rand remains firm
The rand remains firm and opens the day below 11.80/$, spurred on by pro-rand events which transpired yesterday.
SA’s January manufacturing output rose by 2.5%, supporting the expectation that the domestic economy is gaining momentum.
Continue reading…
Jobs data boosts the dollar
The dollar rebounded late Friday on news of higher-than-expected US jobs growth in February.
Hourly wages moderated, easing inflation fears and concerns that the US Fed would hike interest rates 4 times this year.
Continue reading…
Trade war fears ease
The rand opens at 11.83/$ after emerging market currencies recovered overnight thanks to dollar weakness. The greenback weakened after Pres. Trump’s plans to impose tariffs on steel/aluminium imports took a big blow, with Democrats and Republicans being opposed to the idea (meaning the plan probably won’t become policy and a global trade war less likely)…
Continue reading…
Forget the bark, Powell bites!
US Fed chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish (very positive) testimony yesterday has sent the greenback on a mini-rally.
The dollar gained more than 1% against the majors as Powell expressed optimism that the US economy remains strong.
Continue reading…
SONA: Ticked, next-up: Budget – tick tock…
By all accounts President Ramaphosa’s first address to the nation was a roaring success.
All eyes now shift to the 2018 Budget Speech set for Wednesday at 14:00. The rand’s reaction to SONA was muted, with markets waiting to see Wednesday’s balancing act. National Treasury’s focus will be on how to confront the ballooning budget deficit and government debt, amongst many other issues (with the short term goal being to avoid yet another credit rating downgrade).
Continue reading…
No Zooooma Response…. No Confidence!!
Pressure mounts as there is still no outcome as to when President Zuma will be vacating the Union Buildings.
The ANC is expected to have a press conference by 2pm today on whether Zuma would be resigning…rather late than never. In addition, opposing parties are running out of patience and are pushing for a vote of “No Confidence”.
Continue reading…
Z-Day has arrived for Rand!
The countdown has begun as Zuma’s days as President appear to be numbered with the ANC NEC meeting later today.
After the long wait and numerous speculation “Patience” is still key. USD/ZAR opens below 12/$ as EM Markets remain strong regardless of the volatility in global stock markets.
Continue reading…