UPDATE 1-South African rand falls before expected rate cut, looming US tariffs

Dow Jones Industrial Average -0.62%
S&P 500 index -0.24%
NASDAQ +0.23%

Dow Jones Industrial Average

DJI

48114.26

-0.62%

S&P 500 index

SPX

6800.26

-0.24%

NASDAQ

IXIC

23111.46

+0.23%

Updates to reflect afternoon trade

- The South African rand fell on Monday as the dollar gained on global markets, with analysts saying its decline was exacerbated by expectations for a local interest rate cut and jitters over looming tariffs on South African exports to the United States.

At 1430 GMT the rand traded at 17.8650 against the dollar ZAR=D3, about 0.9% weaker than Friday's closing level.

The dollar was up 0.7% against a basket of global currencies =USD.

Economists polled by Reuters expect the South African Reserve Bank to announce another 25 basis point reduction in its repo rate ZAREPO=ECI on Thursday, reducing South Africa's relative interest rate return compared to less risky markets.

Four days before U.S. President Donald Trump's 30% tariffs on South African goods take effect on Friday, Pretoria is yet to agree a trade deal with Washington, with its agriculture and automotive sectors bracing for potential job losses.

Domestic data releases this week include June money supply ZAM3=ECI and private sector credit extension ZACRED=ECI on Tuesday, June budget figures ZABUDM=ECI on Wednesday, and June producer inflation ZAPPIY=ECI and trade ZATBAL=ECI numbers on Thursday.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Top-40 index .JTOPI was last down 0.3%.

The benchmark 2035 government bond ZAR2035= was stronger, as the yield fell 4 basis points to 9.81%.


(Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov and Alexander Winning. Editing by Mark Potter)

((Sfundo.Parakozov@thomsonreuters.com))

Every question you ask will be answered
Scan the QR code to contact us
whatsapp
Also you can contact us via