Tuesday, 20 August 2013

Strikes put the Rand on the back foot


Trade report 20/08/2013

 ZAR outlook

USD/ZAR expected range: 10.10-10.30

The Rand has experienced a renewed bout of negative investor sentiment even though there has been been no significant data releases or events from an International perspective which should have caused the volatility. Continued labour issues has again put the Rand under pressure.

Local news

The main local news has not been of data releases but rather the renewed threats of strike action in multiple industrial sections such as mining and automotive sector. With the latter having already threatened to down tools, the impact of the automotive industry going on strike would have severe consequences not only for the reputation of the SA automotive industry but could cause lost production and revenue of up to R700million a day.

International news

There has been speculation that the US could increase their interest rates, the effect of the US raising their interest rates does not seem like a significant event for the Rand. Unfortunately it could have a serious impact as it means that the differential in the carry over trade would decrease meaning more investors would pull money from EM currencies and put the funds back into safe haven assets such as the USD or EUR. This could cause the Rand to lose even further ground.

TODAYS KEY DATA POINTS:
  • 7am: SA earnings (BIL, SHP, SPG, BLU, SAC), Europe earnings (Glencore Xstrata)
  • 2.30pm: US July Chicago Fed Activity (-0.10)
Foreign exchange South Africa– Let one of our professional consultants at Currency Solutions assist you. To know more about how we can help you Contact Us.

Want to know where the markets are? View our Live Currency Rates.

No comments:

Post a Comment