Economy

The rand was the 2nd best performing currency last week, taking advantage of a simmering trade war and China’s announcement of a stimulus package to boost its economy (tax cuts).

Last week’s gains demonstrated how volatile the rand is, and it wouldn’t take much for the local unit to reverse gains. The big news for the week is Friday’s US jobs data, with Tuesday’s SA trade balance and a host of local data releases providing insight into SA’s probable Q2 GDP.

We’ll also keep an eye on the European Central Bank’s monetary policy update, and of course any update on the Trade War front. Our Zim friends go to the polls today, in their first election without Uncle Bob; we wish our neighbours free and fair elections.

Latest Rates

USD/ZAR 13.2019
GBP/ZAR 17.3061
EUR/ZAR 15.3847
ZAR/JPY 8.4155
CNY/ZAR 1.9360
AUD/ZAR 9.7646
CHF/ZAR 13.2622
AED/
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While there’s been plenty of World Cup drama this week (mostly focused on VAR controversy) the rand has been having a less exciting few days.

But while ZAR hasn’t experienced a significant shift since the weekend, it has still edged lower against the US dollar, euro and pound.

Today’s high-profile US reports, including the nation’s trade balance and durable goods orders data, could have a modest impact on the rand, with upbeat data potentially undermining the emerging-market currency.

But we’ll also be looking ahead to tomorrow and the first South African data of the week. SA’s producer price index is expected to come in at 0.4% on the month and 4.3% on the year.

Latest Rates
USD/ZAR 13.54
GBP/ZAR 17.93
EUR/ZAR 15.80
ZAR/JPY 8.11
CNY/ZAR 2.05
AUD/ZAR 10.01
CHF/ZAR 13.67
AED/ZAR 3.68
SGD/ZAR 9.94
NOK/ZAR 1.
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