The rand strengthened overnight as the dollar weakened amidst peace talks between the North and South Korean leaders.
Risk-on sentiment prevailed as a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula looks likely in the near future (no doubt president Trump…….
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The recent spike in oil prices could fuel global inflationary pressures, which has bolstered the USD to a 2 week high.
Rising US bond yields and easing concerns over geopolitical risks has also positively weighed on the greenback ……..
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The rand is stable as markets wait for significant news/data to find new direction.
Risk appetite has returned, but with continuous geo-political tensions, fears over a trade war and future Fed hikes, the local unit will most likely continue to trade in its current range. In global news:
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The rand held its ground after the US, France and Britain launched a “successful” air strike against Syrian chemical facilities on Friday.
The dollar strengthened after markets were convinced that the strike was a once-off event, but global equity markets weakened and Brent Crude Oil reached its highest price since 2014 at 72 USD/barrel.
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First up is US consumer price inflation, which is expected to come in around 2.4% (ahead of the 2% target and fuelling interest rate increase fears).
The US Fed is next, where March’s meeting minutes should provide insight into how many interest rates hikes……..
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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.
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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 ………
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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………
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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………
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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
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