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The rand weakened to about R16.40 against the dollar as higher oil prices, weaker gold and expectations of further US interest-rate increases supported the US currency. The market moves could add pressure to fuel prices, borrowing costs and household budgets.
RAND

Rand weakens as oil prices rise and rate-hike fears support dollar

The rand weakened to about R16.40 against the dollar as higher oil prices, weaker gold and expectations of further US interest-rate increases supported the US currency. The…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.
MARKET ANALYSIS

The hawk circling the rand

A hawkish US Federal Reserve, widening South African current-account deficit and dependence on foreign capital could leave the rand vulnerable despite its attractive carry.

  • Bianca Botes
7 min read
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. File picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi
INTEREST RATE

Brace yourself, South Africa: a rate hike could be on the cards this week

Economists unpack the forces that could shape the Reserve Bank’s interest rate decision.

  • Ashley Lechman
6 min read
Economists are split over whether the South African Reserve Bank will raise rates as higher oil prices threaten to reverse recent progress on inflation.
FEDERAL RESERVE

Federal Reserve raises interest rates again, complicating South Africa’s rate outlook

The Fed has made its move. Now economists are watching South Africa — and what happens next could matter far beyond interest rates.

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read
The US Federal Reserve’s September interest-rate decision could influence the rand, fuel prices and the South African Reserve Bank’s policy debate. Economists are divided between a rate hike and a hold as inflation and growth data send mixed signals.
FOMC

Fed rate decision could put pressure on rand and South African households

How the US Federal Reserve's September interest-rate decision could impact the rand and South African fuel prices?

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
The rand is strengthening for a second consecutive week, holding below R16 to the dollar as high South African interest rates, a weaker US dollar and improved risk appetite support the currency.
RAND

Rand holds below R16 as gains extend into second week

The rand is trading below R16 to the US dollar as higher South African interest rates, a weaker dollar and improved investor sentiment support a second consecutive week of gains.

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.
MARKET ANALYSIS

Brent Crude oil prices remain elevated, putting October fuel prices in focus

Oil prices remain elevated after renewed US-Iran hostilities, while the rand steadies and bond yields rise as investors await key US and European economic data.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed Brent crude above $90 a barrel.
KEVIN WARSH

Rand weakens as Fed rate-hike fears and Iran conflict weigh on markets

Global markets came under pressure after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signalled that US interest-rate increases remained possible, while renewed US-Iran hostilities pushed…

  • Ashley Lechman
3 min read