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.
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Jobs data boosts the dollar
Local economy showing positive signs
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,
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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)…
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The budget was here…now Moody’s to fear
The week ends on a high as all three major rating agencies commended the 2018 Budget speech.
Focus now shifts to Moody’s review on the 23rd March 2018. The hike in VAT (first in two decades) and debt stabilisation sees a greater possibility of Moody’s not deciding upon the dreaded downgrade.
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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”.
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Rand recovers as US Stocks whiplash
The rand broke below 12/$ overnight as US stocks clawed back more than half their losses seen Monday.
The Zuma saga continues as today’s ANC NEC meeting along with the State of the Nation Address was postponed in order to give more time for talks between Zuma and Ramaphosa (Indicating Zuma may have one foot out “the shower” door!).
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