JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s rand was flat early on Friday, as investors were reluctant to price more risk into local markets.
At 0742 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2550 against the dollar, 0.08% weaker than its previous close.
“The rand has stabilised and has recovered once more from its weakest levels for the second consecutive trading session, while bonds have similarly recovered some lost ground,” ETM Analytics said in a note.
South African rand flat against dollar, loses post-budget gains
Global watchdog the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which sets standards on combating money laundering and illicit financing, could add South Africa to its “grey list” on Friday.
Being added to that list would be a reputational knock for South Africa and could hurt local asset prices, as grey-listed countries are subject to greater monitoring by the FATF on concern that they are at higher risk for money laundering and terrorist financing.
On the stock market, the Top-40 index and the broader all-share fell around 0.7% in early trade.
The government’s benchmark 2030 bond was stronger in early deals, with the yield down 6 basis points to 10.055%.
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