JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's rand was slightly weaker against the dollar in early trade on Thursday ahead of a central bank interest rate decision and U.S. jobs data later in the day.
* At 0632 GMT, the rand traded at 13.7250 per dollar, 0.22 percent weaker than its New York close of 13.6950 on Wednesday.
* "Cautious market participants are still weighing in on emerging markets, resulting in a rand which is experiencing quite a bit of resistance on its strengthening path - but slow and steady wins the race," said Bianca Botes, corporate treasury manager at Peregrine.
* "The SARB (South African Reserve Bank) is widely expected to keep interest rates on hold today, following a 25-bps hike in November. We will also keep an eye on jobless claims coming out of the U.S. this afternoon. A continuation of the strong jobs data trend could provide the dollar with a boost."
* All 27 economists polled by Reuters had predicted the central bank would keep the rate unchanged at 6.75 percent, but said a hike was likely in May due to rising inflation.
* In fixed income, the yield on the benchmark government bond due in 2026 added 2 basis points to 8.8 percent in early trade.
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