Rand trades slightly stronger before PPI data

The rand opened flat on Thursday, before producer price inflation (PPI) data that will give more clues on price pressures in Africa’s most industrialised economy.

The rand was trading at 15.1120 versus the dollar by 09:50, 0.44% stronger than its previous close.

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Rand vs USD over a month

October PPI figures will be released around 11:30 and the index is expected to stay at 2.5%.

On Wednesday data showed the consumer price index rose quicker than expected in October to 3.3%.

Inflation has been modest this year, dropping below the central bank’s 3-6% target range during a hard coronavirus lockdown that led to a steep economic contraction.

Analysts at Capital Economics predicted on Wednesday that subdued price rises and a weak recovery would mean monetary conditions would be kept loose until at least the end of 2022.

Government bonds were stronger in early deals on Thursday, with the yield on the 2030 instrument falling 7 basis points to 8.8%.

Source: moneyweb.co.za