US and China tensions continues to grab the headlines, despite disappointing US jobs data Friday.
The US created 103k jobs in March, a far cry from the expected 188k, with unemployment remaining at 4.1%. Emerging markets have recovered slightly, with the rand hugging 12/$. President Trump called China’s bluff over the weekend, threatening another $100bn in tariffs.
Continue reading…
Following China’s 15% tariff on US products, ‘Merica hit back yesterday laying out plans to impose a 25% tariff on Chinese import products.
The tariff could see more than 1300 Chinese imports being effected totalling more than $50 billion. In response, China said it ………
Continue reading…
China’s previously announced tariff on US products came into effect yesterday with more than 120 US products being affected.
The introduction of the 15% tariff could spark fresh fears of a trade war amongst global markets. On the topic of 15%, yesterday also saw the increase of VAT and with fuel levies set to………
Continue reading…
Local markets shift focus to the SARB’s MPC meeting today which could confirm a possible interest rate cut.
Speculation is that Governor Lesetja Kganyago could cut the interest rate by 25bps. Following Moody’s decision………
Continue reading…
Friday night ended on a high, with no dreaded downgrade from credit ratings agency Moody’s.
The announcement was greatly welcomed as it was supported with the outlook being changed to stable, which looks to restore some
Continue reading…
The rand strengthened overnight despite US inflation and expected US interest rate hikes.
Future US inflation is predicted to break the Feds 2% target, forcing the powers that be to increase interest rates
Continue reading…
The dollar rebounded late Friday on news of higher-than-expected US jobs growth in February.
Hourly wages moderated, easing inflation fears and concerns that the US Fed would hike interest rates 4 times this year.
Continue reading…
The rand is taking full advantage of the weaker dollar as it opens at 11.83/$ this morning.
Investors returned to buying emerging market currencies (as opposed to the USD) after Trump’s top economic advisor,
Continue reading…
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…
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…