JOHANNESBURG, March 25 – The following scheduled economic events, company announcements, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Thursday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

Statistics South Africa will publish producer price inflation data for February at 09:30 GMT. The South African Reserve Bank is due to announce its main lending rate decision 1t 13:00 GMT.

COMPANIES

Remgro published its half year results.

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

South Africa’s rand firmed on Wednesday as data showing consumer price inflation slowed in February did little to change market expectations that the central bank will not cut interest rates any further.

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian equities bounced between gains and losses on Thursday as a selloff in Chinese technology shares due to concerns they will be de-listed from U.S. bourses and worries about a semiconductor shortage rattled some investors.

WALL STREET

The S&P 500 closed lower on Wednesday as optimism about the economic recovery by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen was unable to halt a decline in technology shares for a second straight day.

GOLD

Gold prices rose on Thursday as surging COVID-19 cases across Europe fuelled economic growth concerns, although a strong U.S. dollar checked gains in bullion.

EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on

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Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

BUSINESS DAY

– Covid-19 advisors call for return of alcohol restrictions amid third wave risk

– Zuma will not participate in Thursday’s contempt of court hearing

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