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…
Forget the bark, Powell bites!
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…
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…
Rand slides on US inflation fears
The rand weakened overnight as a result of better than expect US Jobs numbers and wage growth released Friday, sparking fears of higher than expected US interest rate increases during 2018.
The US stock market lost 2.5% as investors cashed out to hold USD in anticipation of a Fed hike in March. The GBP/ZAR continues to flirt with the 17/£ level as a false break to 17.10/£ on Friday was given back on speculation over Zuma’s demise.
Continue reading…