South African rand flat as markets weigh Fed's rate stance

Local investors will shift their focus towards the central bank's rate decision due next week, with markets expecting a 25-basis-point hike. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg

Local investors will shift their focus towards the central bank's rate decision due next week, with markets expecting a 25-basis-point hike. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg

Published Mar 24, 2023

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South Africa's rand was listless against a steady dollar on Friday, as investors assessed the prospects that the US Federal Reserve might pause its rate-hike trajectory.

At 08:20, the rand traded at 18.0825 against the dollar, near its previous close of 18.0850.

The dollar index, which measures the safe-haven currency against six rivals, held ground at 102.53.

The US Fed on Wednesday delivered an expected interest rate hike of 25 basis points, but took a cautious stance on economic outlook due to the recent banking sector turmoil.

Local investors will shift their focus towards the central bank's rate decision due next week, with markets expecting a 25-basis-point hike.

The government's benchmark 2030 bond was unchanged in early deals, with the yield at 9.950%.

Reuters