Rand strengthens after Fed rate decision

The rand strengthened in early trade on Thursday, as the dollar hovered around seven-week lows after the US Federal Reserve signalled that its rate hike campaign could be nearing the end.

The Fed on Wednesday raised interest rates by a widely expected 25 basis points (bps) and indicated it might pause further increases after the recent collapse of two US banks.

At 08:48, the rand traded at R18.15 against the dollar.

The dollar index, which measures the currency against six rivals, was last trading down 0.44% at 101.99.

Headline inflation in South Africa rose slightly in February to 7% from 6.9% in January, data showed on Wednesday, fuelling bets that the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) would hike interest rates by 25 bps at its meeting next week.

“The latest headline CPI print corroborates the case for the Sarb to remain hawkish next week in an effort to curb inflation,” ETM Analytics said in a research note.

The government’s benchmark 2030 bond was stronger in early deals, with the yield down 14.5 bps to 9.850%.