
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="461" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-820x461.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400641" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-820x461.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A collection of mixed denomination South African rand coins sit in an arranged photo in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday, June 22, 2017. South Africas inflation rate rose for the first time this year in May after food-price growth quickened from the slowest pace since December 2015. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 26 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;South Africa&#8217;s rand weakened early on Monday, ahead of a slew of local economic data releases this week, which could give hints on the health of the local economy.</p>



<p>At 0732 GMT, the rand traded at 17.80 against the dollar, 0.51% weaker than its previous close.</p>



<p>The rand, like most emerging market currencies, benefited from a softer dollar on Friday after comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell solidified bets of a September rate cut.</p>



<p>South African investors will focus on monthly producer inflation, money supply, budget and trade balance data due later this week.</p>



<p>On the stock market, the Top-40 index was little changed in early trade.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was weaker in early deals, with the yield up 2.5 basis points to 9.095%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)</p>


South African Economy As Inflation Rate Rises For First Time In 2017

South African rand slips at start of data-filled week


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="408" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-501467" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 26 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The following scheduled economic events, company announcement, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Monday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-events">ECONOMIC EVENTS</h2>



<p>Foreigners&#8217; trading in South African bonds and equities</p>



<p>South African weekly T-bill auction</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-companies">COMPANIES</h2>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s state utility Eskom to brief media on summer outlook</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-african-markets">SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand jumped on Friday, after comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signalled an interest rate cut next month.</p>



<p>On the Johannesburg Stock exchange, the blue-chip Top-40 index closed up 0.73%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Major share markets turned hesitant in Asia on Monday, while the dollar and bond yields were on the wane ahead of inflation data that investors hope will pave the way for rate cuts in the United States and Europe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wall-street">WALL STREET</h2>



<p>U.S. stocks rallied on Friday as dovish remarks from U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell solidified expectations that the central bank will cut its key policy rate in September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold">GOLD</h2>



<p>Gold prices held ground on Monday, buoyed by a weaker dollar and Treasury yields after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s dovish remarks cemented expectations for a September rate cut.</p>



<p>&#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211;</p>



<p>Some of the main stories out in the South African press:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-day">BUSINESS DAY</h2>



<p>&#8211; Steinhoff 2.0 takes Reserve Bank to court</p>



<p>&#8211; Transnet asks Eskom for secret of its turnaround</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fin-24">FIN 24</h2>



<p>&#8211; Turkcell vs MTN: Billion-dollar lawsuit over Iranian licence heads to appeals court</p>



<p>(Compiled by Bhargav Acharya)</p>


istockphoto-1076949610-612×612-1

South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 26


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="357" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400669" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1-300x175.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance</figcaption></figure>



<p>NAIROBI, Aug 26 (Reuters) &#8211; The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Monday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian shares crept cautiously higher on Monday, while the dollar and bond yields were on the wane ahead of inflation data that investors hope will pave the way for rate cuts in the United States and Europe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oil-prices">WORLD OIL PRICES</h2>



<p>Oil prices extended gains on Monday on fears a major spillover in fighting from the Gaza conflict into the Middle East could disrupt regional oil supplies, while imminent U.S. interest rate cuts lifted the global economic and fuel demand outlook.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-markets">SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand jumped on Friday, after comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled an interest rate cut next month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-markets">KENYA MARKETS</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s shilling was stable against the U.S. dollar on Friday, as the dollar was hit by a lull in demand, traders said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-ratings">KENYA RATINGS</h2>



<p>Global credit ratings agency S&amp;P downgraded Kenya&#8217;s rating on Friday to &#8220;B-&#8221; from &#8220;B,&#8221; citing the recent repeal of the East African country&#8217;s 2024/2025 Finance Bill, which it said will slow its fiscal consolidation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shipping-red-sea">SHIPPING RED SEA</h2>



<p>Three fires blazed on a Greek-flagged oil tanker in the Red Sea, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on Friday, one day after rescuers evacuated its crew in the wake of an assault by Yemeni Houthi militants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ghana-cocoa">GHANA COCOA</h2>



<p>Ghana&#8217;s cocoa marketing board, Cocobod, is fine-tuning a new funding model for bean purchases that will require global traders to deposit at least 60% of the value of their forward contracts at the start of the season, two sources told Reuters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mali-security">MALI SECURITY</h2>



<p>At least 21 people, including 11 children, were killed by drone strikes on Sunday on the town of Tinzaouaten in north Mali, near where the army suffered a heavy blow last month, Tuareg rebels said.</p>



<p>((Compiled by Nairobi Newsroom))</p>


World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance

African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 26


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="549" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-820x549.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-425202" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-820x549.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-300x201.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-134x90.jpg 134w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-768x514.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/7E5H4JHT7JIDHHBALK7PSZDXSI-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South African Rand coins are seen in this photo illustration .  REUTERS/Mike Hutchings</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 23 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The South African rand strengthened in early trade on Friday, as traders awaited a speech by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell that may give hints about the future interest rate path of the world&#8217;s biggest economy.</p>



<p>At 0751 GMT, the rand traded at 17.98 against the dollar, about 0.3% firmer than its previous close.</p>



<p>Powell is due to speak later on Friday at an annual meeting of global central bakers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and markets are looking out for clues on whether U.S. interest rate cuts will start in September.</p>



<p>&#8220;The nature of these speeches is normally that not too much will be revealed, but nevertheless, the market will go over the speech with a fine tooth comb,&#8221; said Andre Cilliers, currency strategist at TreasuryONE.</p>



<p>&#8220;Should any new information be forthcoming, expect the market to be volatile around the speech,&#8221; Cilliers added.</p>



<p>Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as U.S. monetary policy in the absence of major local factors.</p>



<p>On the Johannesburg Stock exchange, the blue-chip Top-40 index was up about 0.4% in early trade.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly stronger in early deals, with the yield down 1.5 basis points to 9.195%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Helen Popper)</p>


South African Rand coins are seen in this photo illustration

South African rand firms as traders wait for Powell speech


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="357" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400669" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1-300x175.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance</figcaption></figure>



<p>Aug 23 (Reuters) &#8211; The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Friday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-events">EVENTS:</h2>



<p>S&amp;P is scheduled to issue a reassessment of Kenya&#8217;s &#8216;B&#8217; credit rating, after deadly protests against tax hikes in June forced the government to abandon its funding plan for this fiscal year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian shares sputtered on Friday while the dollar rebounded from one-year lows as investors were cautious ahead of a speech by the world&#8217;s most powerful central banker with markets looking for confirmation U.S. rate cuts would start in September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oil-prices">WORLD OIL PRICES</h2>



<p>Oil prices were little changed on Friday, on track to end the week lower, as downward revisions to U.S. employment data raised concerns over demand and renewed ceasefire talks in Gaza eased worries about supply disruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-markets">SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand slipped against a stronger dollar on Thursday as investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s speech for hints on the future interest rate path of the world&#8217;s biggest economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-africa-markets">AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>The Kenyan and Ugandan shillings are expected to strengthen against the dollar in the coming week to Thursday, while Zambia&#8217;s kwacha and Ghana&#8217;s cedi are seen weakening and Nigeria&#8217;s naira as holding steady, traders said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-markets">KENYA MARKETS</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s shilling held steady against the U.S. dollar on Thursday, as foreign currency inflows matched demand from manufacturing and other sectors, traders said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-africa-climate-finance">AFRICA CLIMATE FINANCE</h2>



<p>African countries want to use this year&#8217;s U.N. COP meetings to secure a much bigger share of global climate financing, their representatives said at a meeting in Kenya on Thursday, to help deal with the increased threats from climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudan-politics">SUDAN POLITICS</h2>



<p>A fraction of available aid has passed through the Adre border crossing from Chad into Sudan&#8217;s hunger-ravaged Darfur region this week following a move by the Sudanese army to temporarily lift a ban on deliveries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-botswana-diamonds">BOTSWANA DIAMONDS</h2>



<p>Canada&#8217;s Lucara Diamond Corp, has discovered a 2,492 carat diamond at its Karowe mine in Botswana, the company said late Wednesday, one of the largest stones to be excavated.</p>



<p>((Compiled by Nairobi Newsroom))</p>


African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 23


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stock-value-rising-and-falling-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-404443" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stock-value-rising-and-falling-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stock-value-rising-and-falling-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stock-value-rising-and-falling-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Stock-value-rising-and-falling.jpg 1254w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Macro view of a screen of trading terminal with abstract financial graph and digits. Trading and forex concept. 3D Rendering</figcaption></figure>



<p>Aug 22 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;Emerging market stocks regained some ground on Thursday, while currencies were largely subdued as investors awaited U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium on Friday.</p>



<p>MSCI&#8217;s emerging market equities index edged 0.2% higher. The symposium of global central bankers starts later in the day and markets are hoping Powell&#8217;s speech will offer further insights into the central bank&#8217;s interest rate path.</p>



<p>China&#8217;s Tencent Holdings, which has the second-highest weighting on the index, rose about 1.7%, but gains were capped by weakness in Chinese consumer and electric vehicle stocks amid simmering trade tensions.</p>



<p>Most Chinese EV makers fell as Brussels published its revised tariff plan for China-made EVs, potentially making the provisional penalties definitive. An index tracking EVs fell 0.7%.</p>



<p>Indian stocks also added some positivity.</p>



<p>An index of emerging market currencies was largely flat against the U.S. dollar, which hovered near 2024 lows after minutes of the Fed&#8217;s last policy meeting signalled a likely rate cut in September.</p>



<p>&#8220;The price action across the EM FX space on the day indicates that market participants are in a wait-and-see mode ahead of tomorrow&#8217;s speech by Chair Powell in Jackson Hole,&#8221; said Piotr Matys, senior FX Analyst at In Touch Capital Markets.</p>



<p>&#8220;The key question is whether Powell shifts in the odds in favour of a 25bps or a 50bps cut at the September meeting. Given that it will be an excellent opportunity for him to regain control over the narrative, Powell may push against what the markets are currently pricing in for the scale of rate cuts over the next 6-12 months.&#8221;</p>



<p>The South African rand was down 0.3% against the greenback, while the lira slipped and was last quoted at 33.95. Consumer confidence in Turkey rose to 79.6 points in August from 75.9 in July.</p>



<p>In central and eastern Europe, Polish zloty edged 0.1% lower against the euro after domestic retail sales in constant prices for July grew 4.4% on a yearly basis compared with expectations of a 5.6% growth.</p>



<p>Investors will also keep a close eye on the Polish central bank at 1200 GMT, when they publish the minutes from the last rate-setting meeting.</p>



<p>The Hungarian forint was also down 0.1%.</p>



<p>The Mexican peso was flat against the dollar ahead of the the minutes of its central bank&#8217;s latest monetary policy meeting, due at 1500 GMT.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Shubham Batra in Bengaluru; Editing by Varun H K)</p>


Macro view of a screen of trading terminal with abstract financial graph and digits. Trading and forex concept. 3D Rendering

Stocks rise, FX flat as investors await Powell’s speech


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="547" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-820x547.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-505639" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-820x547.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-135x90.jpg 135w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GettyImages-1161864863-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A South African one rand coin sits on South African rand banknotes in this arranged photograph in Pretoria, South Africa, on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. The rand ended a tumultuous week on a positive note, gaining against the dollar for a second day and heading for its first weekly advance in four as technical indicators suggested recent declines are overdone. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 22 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The South African rand weakened in early trade on Thursday, ahead of a slew of U.S. economic data which may give hints on the future interest rate path of the world&#8217;s biggest economy.</p>



<p>At 0615 GMT, the rand traded at 17.90 against the dollar, about 0.4% weaker than its previous close.</p>



<p>&#8220;EM (emerging market) currencies are trading off their recent stronger levels with the rand softening to R17.90 against the dollar&#8230; this morning,&#8221; said Andre Cilliers, currency strategist at TreasuryONE.</p>



<p>&#8220;Today, we have a range of U.S. data indicators that could provide some insight into the U.S. economy and labour market&#8230; while tomorrow, we have (Federal Reserve Chair Jerome) Powell&#8217;s opening address at Jackson Hole,&#8221; Cilliers said.</p>



<p>The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium of global central bankers starts on Thursday, with Powell set to speak on Friday. Markets hope Powell&#8217;s speech will offer further insights into the interest rate path of the U.S.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve minutes released on Thursday revealed the U.S. was on track for an interest rate cut in September after a &#8220;vast majority&#8221; of officials said such an action was likely.</p>



<p>Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers like U.S. monetary policy in the absence of major local factors.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was unchanged in early deals, with the yield at 9.12%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Bernadette Baum)</p>


South African Rand Rebound Snaps Streak of Weekly Losses

South African rand softens, focus on Fed rate path


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="357" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400669" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1-300x175.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance</figcaption></figure>



<p>NAIROBI, Aug 22 (Reuters) &#8211; The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Thursday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-events">EVENTS:</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s Finance Minister John Mbadi will host a meeting to discuss how to boost the mobilization of climate finance across Africa.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Oil fell for a fifth day in a row on demand jitters on Thursday, stocks were subdued in Asia, and the dollar hovered near one-year lows as Federal Reserve minutes signalled that U.S. interest rate cuts are set to begin in a few weeks&#8217; time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oil-prices">WORLD OIL PRICES</h2>



<p>Oil prices fell for a fifth session on Thursday as global demand concerns exerted pressure on the market despite a decline in U.S. fuel inventories.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-markets">SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand softened on Wednesday as local inflation fell to a three-year low in July, solidifying analysts&#8217; expectations of an interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank next month.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mali-security">MALI SECURITY</h2>



<p>The military juntas of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have written to the U.N. Security Council to denounce what they said was Ukraine&#8217;s support for rebel groups in West Africa&#8217;s Sahel region, Mali&#8217;s foreign ministry said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-uganda-oil">UGANDA OIL</h2>



<p>Uganda is exploring for oil in two new regions where potential discoveries of crude could increase the East African country&#8217;s proven reserves of 6.5 billion barrels, its energy minister said on Wednesday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rwanda-rates">RWANDA RATES</h2>



<p>Rwanda&#8217;s central bank lowered its key interest rate by 50 basis points to 6.5% on Wednesday, its second cut in a row, saying inflation was projected to remain within its target band at around 5% on average.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kcb-group-results">KCB GROUP RESULTS</h2>



<p>Kenyan lender KCB Group&#8217;s pretax profit for the first half of this year rose 70% to 38.11 billion shillings ($297 million), up from 22.46 billion shillings in the same period in 2023, it said on Wednesday.</p>



<p>((Compiled by Nairobi Newsroom))</p>


African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 22


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="461" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-820x461.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400641" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-820x461.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1x-1-2-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A collection of mixed denomination South African rand coins sit in an arranged photo in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday, June 22, 2017. South Africas inflation rate rose for the first time this year in May after food-price growth quickened from the slowest pace since December 2015. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 21 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The South African rand was weaker in early trade on Wednesday, ahead of a local inflation print which could give hints on the future interest rate path of Africa&#8217;s most industrialised economy.</p>



<p>At 0642 GMT, the rand traded at 17.83 against the dollar, about 0.2% softer than Tuesday&#8217;s close.</p>



<p>&#8220;Today is all about local CPI (inflation) later this morning and the Fed (U.S. Federal Reserve) minutes this evening,&#8221; said Rand Merchant Bank analysts in a research note.</p>



<p>Investor focus will be on South Africa&#8217;s July inflation print  set to be released at 0800 GMT for clues on the country&#8217;s future interest-rate path.</p>



<p>Inflation in June was at 5.1% year on year and within the central bank&#8217;s target range of 3% to 6%. The central bank likes to see inflation close to 4.5%, the midpoint of its target range.</p>



<p>Economists polled by Reuters expect South Africa&#8217;s central bank to cut interest rates for the first time in more than two years on Sept. 19.</p>



<p>&#8220;Ahead of CPI later this morning, we look for some consolidation after the big moves of late,&#8221; Rand Merchant Bank analysts added, referring to the rand.</p>



<p>Global markets will look to minutes of the Fed&#8217;s latest meeting for clarity on the rate-cut path of the world&#8217;s biggest economy.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly weaker in early deals, as the yield gained 1 basis point to 9.295%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Rashmi Aich)</p>


South African rand softer ahead of local inflation print


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="357" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400669" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1-300x175.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance</figcaption></figure>



<p>Aug 21 (Reuters) &#8211; The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Wednesday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-events">EVENTS:</h2>



<p>Zimbabwe&#8217;s finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, will speak about fiscal policy at a conference in Harare hosted by the Zimbabwe Economic Society.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian shares slipped on Wednesday as a stellar rebound in world stocks paused for breath, while bond yields and the dollar fell ahead of U.S. economic data and speeches from policymakers that are expected to make the case for interest rate cuts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oil-prices">WORLD OIL PRICES</h2>



<p>Oil prices slipped on Wednesday on estimates showing swelling U.S. crude inventories and expectations that tensions in the Middle East were easing following a tour of the region by mediators.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-markets">SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand weakened on Tuesday ahead of local inflation data, as markets awaited clues on both domestic and U.S. interest-rate paths this week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-markets">KENYA MARKETS</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s shilling was little changed against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday in a quiet session, traders said.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mpox-africa">MPOX AFRICA</h2>



<p>Justine Munguiko could not recall the name of the disease she had been warned about. She knew only that her baby Fidele had painful sores similar to those suffered by other children at the displacement camp near the eastern Congolese city of Goma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-tax">KENYA TAX</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s top court on Tuesday suspended a lower court&#8217;s ruling that the 2023 finance law was unconstitutional, saying it was important to preserve stability in the budget until the merits of the government&#8217;s appeal are heard next month.</p>



<p>((Compiled by Nairobi Newsroom))</p>


African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 21


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="408" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-501467" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 21 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The following scheduled economic event, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Wednesday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-events">ECONOMIC EVENTS</h2>



<p>Statistics South Africa will publish July consumer price inflation data.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-african-markets">SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand weakened on Tuesday ahead of local inflation data, as markets awaited clues on both domestic and U.S. interest-rate paths this week.</p>



<p>On the stock market, the Top-40 index was little-changed.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian shares slipped on Wednesday as a stellar rebound in world stocks paused for breath, while bond yields and the dollar fell ahead of U.S. economic data and speeches from policymakers that are expected to make the case for interest rate cuts. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wall-street">WALL STREET</h2>



<p>U.S. stocks closed slightly lower on Tuesday, breaking their recent winning streak amid few market-moving catalysts ahead of the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, set to get under way on Thursday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold">GOLD</h2>



<p>Gold prices were trading below record high levels on Wednesday after a rally fuelled by Western fund inflows and U.S. rate-cut optimism, as investors braced for minutes of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s latest meeting for clarity on the depth of cuts. </p>



<p>&#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211;</p>



<p>Some of the main stories out in the South African press:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-day">BUSINESS DAY</h2>



<p>&#8211; Agricultural land at risk from property and mining, Steenhuisen says</p>



<p>&#8211; Court dismisses Nersa and Salga&#8217;s appeal for electricity hikes</p>



<p>(Compiled by Tannur Anders)</p>


South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 21


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2048" height="1248" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-495627" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-scaled.jpg 2048w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-300x183.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-820x500.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-148x90.jpg 148w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-768x468.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/J32EXN6PQFNGNFCW2LXA3JCAGE-1536x936.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">FILE PHOTO: South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2020.  REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/Illustration/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 20 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The South African rand gave back some gains in early trade on Tuesday, ahead of the country&#8217;s leading indicator data release, and as markets await clues on both local and U.S. interest rate paths this week.</p>



<p>At 0615 GMT, the rand traded at 17.73 against the dollar, about 0.2% softer than its previous close.</p>



<p>&#8220;The rand&#8217;s strong run continued yesterday as it closed at the day&#8217;s best level&#8230; on the back of the weaker dollar and positive risk sentiment,&#8221; Andre Cilliers, currency strategist at TreasuryONE, said.</p>



<p>&#8220;The local currency has given back some of the gains this morning in line with slightly softer EM (emerging market) currencies,&#8221; Cilliers added.</p>



<p>Local investors will on Tuesday focus on South Africa&#8217;s leading indicator for June, which collects data on vehicle sales, business confidence, money supply and other factors.</p>



<p>On Wednesday, focus will be on South Africa&#8217;s July inflation print for hints on the future interest rate path of Africa&#8217;s most industrialised economy.</p>



<p>Economists polled by Reuters expect the central bank to cut interest rates for the first time in more than two years on Sept. 19.</p>



<p>Globally, markets will look toward U.S. Federal Reserve minutes and Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium this week for indications on how much the Fed will cut interest rates this year.</p>



<p>Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers including U.S. monetary policy alongside local data points.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was little changed in early deals, as the yield gained 0.5 basis point to 9.28%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Andrew Heavens)</p>


FILE PHOTO: South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture

South African rand softer ahead of leading indicator


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="408" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-501467" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 20 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The following scheduled economic events, company announcement, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Tuesday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-events">ECONOMIC EVENTS</h2>



<p>The South African Reserve Bank will publish the country&#8217;s leading indicator for June.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s government will hold its weekly auction of long-term bonds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-companies">COMPANIES</h2>



<p>Petrochemical firm Sasol reported a 66% fall in full-year profit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-african-markets">SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS</h2>



<p>The South African rand strengthened to a nearly 13-month high on Monday, ahead of the release of domestic inflation data on Wednesday which may provide hints on the country&#8217;s future interest rate path.</p>



<p>On the stock market, the Top-40 index closed up 1.27%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian stocks scaled a one-month peak on Tuesday, tracking a Wall Street rally driven by expectations that the Federal Reserve could offer further hints of imminent rate cuts later this week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wall-street">WALL STREET</h2>



<p>U.S. stocks advanced on Monday, building on their largest weekly percentage gain of the year as investors focused on the Democratic National Convention and the upcoming Jackson Hole Economic Symposium.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold">GOLD</h2>



<p>Gold held steady near its record high on Tuesday as investors awaited U.S. Federal Reserve minutes and Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s speech for indications on how much the central bank will cut rates this year. </p>



<p>&#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211;</p>



<p>Some of the main stories out in the South African press:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-day">BUSINESS DAY</h2>



<p>&#8211; Top US bank expects SA’s GDP to grow 2% next year</p>



<p>&#8211; SA’s ports do better, but agricultural exports slow</p>



<p>(Compiled by Tannur Anders)</p>


South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 20


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="820" height="567" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-820x567.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-502655" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-820x567.jpg 820w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-300x208.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-130x90.jpg 130w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-768x531.jpg 768w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-1536x1063.jpg 1536w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TAKTGYGGUFIUFGNJON3QOOIO24-scaled.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 820px) 100vw, 820px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture taken October 30, 2020.  REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/File Photo</figcaption></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 19 (Reuters) &#8211; The South African rand was slightly weaker in early trading on Monday, after gaining last week, ahead of the release of domestic inflation data on Wednesday which may provide hints on the country&#8217;s future interest rate path.</p>



<p>At 0631 GMT, the rand traded at 17.8775 against the dollar, about 0.1% softer than its closing level on Friday. The dollar was down about 0.38% against a basket of global currencies.</p>



<p>Investors will look to South Africa&#8217;s July inflation figures on Wednesday for hints on the central bank&#8217;s future interest rate path.</p>



<p>&#8220;Investors will be watching closely at the number to see if inflation is softening enough for the central bank to begin cutting rates in September,&#8221; said Rand Merchant Bank analysts in a research note.</p>



<p>A Reuters poll found that economists expect the central bank to cut interest rates for the first time in more than two years on Sept. 19.</p>



<p>This week, global markets will likely focus on the release of minutes from a Federal Reserve meeting and the Jackson Hole symposium of central bankers where Fed Chair Jerome Powell will give a speech.</p>



<p>Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers like U.S. monetary policy in addition to local factors.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly firmer in early trading, and the yield slipped 2.5 basis points to 9.295%.</p>



<p>(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Bernadette Baum)</p>


South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture

South African rand dips ahead of inflation data this week


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="357" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-400669" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/istockphoto-1030878162-612x612-1-300x175.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">World map with charts and graphs as symbols of global finance</figcaption></figure>



<p>NAIROBI, Aug 19 (Reuters) &#8211; The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect African markets on Monday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-events">EVENTS:</h2>



<p>Kenya Airways, one of Africa&#8217;s three biggest carriers, will release its half-year results for 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian stocks edged up and the dollar slid on Monday after global equities enjoyed their best week in nine months on expectations the U.S. economy would dodge a recession and cooling inflation would kick off a cycle of interest rate cuts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-world-oil-prices">WORLD OIL PRICES</h2>



<p>Oil prices eased in early Asian trading on Monday as fears of weaker demand in top oil importer China weighed on market sentiment while investors focus on the progress of ceasefire talks in the Middle East, which could reduce supply risks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-africa-markets">SOUTH AFRICA MARKETS</h2>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s rand was on course for gains of over 2% this week, while stocks hit a record high in intra-day trade on Friday, as upbeat U.S. economic data allayed fears of an imminent recession in the world&#8217;s top economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-markets">KENYA MARKETS</h2>



<p>Kenya&#8217;s shilling was stable against the U.S. dollar on Friday, but traders said they expected it to come under pressure from foreign-currency demand from the manufacturing sector.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-southern-africa-drought">SOUTHERN AFRICA DROUGHT</h2>



<p>About 68 million people in Southern Africa are suffering the effects of an El Nino-induced drought which has wiped out crops across the region, the regional bloc SADC said on Saturday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sudan-politics">SUDAN POLITICS</h2>



<p>Sudan&#8217;s government said it will send a delegation to Cairo for discussions with U.S. and Egyptian officials on Monday, keeping open the question of participation in peace talks aimed at ending a 16-month war.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kenya-airports">KENYA AIRPORTS</h2>



<p>The biggest union of Kenya&#8217;s aviation workers has postponed for two weeks a planned strike that was scheduled to start on Monday, to allow talks with the government over a proposed deal with an Indian company to develop the country&#8217;s main airport.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mali-economy">MALI ECONOMY</h2>



<p>Four years after the military ousted Mali’s then-president and came to power, many residents say economic troubles are worsening and constant power cuts are hurting businesses.</p>



<p>((Compiled by Nairobi Newsroom))</p>


African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 19


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="408" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-501467" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 19 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The following scheduled economic events, company announcements, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Monday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-events">ECONOMIC EVENTS</h2>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s Johannesburg Stock Exchange will release data on foreigners&#8217; buying and selling of bonds and stocks during the previous week.</p>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s government will hold its weekly auction for Treasury bills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-companies">COMPANIES</h2>



<p>South African lender Absa Group&#8217;s half-year results</p>



<p>Thermal coal exporter Thungela&#8217;s half-year results</p>



<p>Africa&#8217;s biggest telecoms operator MTN&#8217;s half-year results</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-african-markets">SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS</h2>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s rand gained last week, while stocks hit a record high on Friday, as upbeat U.S. economic data allayed fears of an imminent recession in the world&#8217;s top economy.</p>



<p>The Johannesburg Stock Exchange&#8217;s Top-40 index hit a record high on Friday. It closed more than 0.7% higher.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asian stocks edged up and the dollar slid on Monday after global equities enjoyed their best week in nine months on expectations the U.S. economy would dodge a recession and cooling inflation would kick off a cycle of interest rate cuts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wall-street">WALL STREET</h2>



<p>U.S. stocks ended higher on Friday, extending their biggest weekly percentage gains of the year as worries of an economic downturn eased and investors focused on the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium next week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold">GOLD</h2>



<p>Gold prices eased on Monday and hovered around key $2,500 level, as traders locked in profits following bullion&#8217;s climb to an all-time peak in the previous session on expectations of a U.S. interest rate cut next month.</p>



<p>&#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211;</p>



<p>Some of the main stories out in the South African press:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-day">BUSINESS DAY</h2>



<p>&#8211; More to come as JSE soars to a record high</p>



<p>&#8211; Private equity fundraising hits 13-year record</p>



<p>(Compiled by Tannur Anders)</p>


South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 19


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="612" height="408" src="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-501467" srcset="https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.cnbcafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/istockphoto-1076949610-612x612-1-135x90.jpg 135w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /></figure>



<p>JOHANNESBURG, Aug 16 (Reuters)&nbsp;&#8211;&nbsp;The following scheduled economic events, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Friday.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-economic-events">ECONOMIC EVENTS</h2>



<p>Inflation-linked bond auction</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-south-african-markets">SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS</h2>



<p>South Africa&#8217;s rand was not deterred by dollar gains on Thursday, firming after stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and as markets look toward Federal Reserve comments at a meeting of global central bankers next week.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-markets">GLOBAL MARKETS</h2>



<p>Asia shares were headed for a weekly gain on Friday and Japan&#8217;s Nikkei was poised for its best week in over four years as upbeat risk sentiment spilled over from Wall Street, while the dollar and U.S. Treasury yields held steady.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wall-street">WALL STREET</h2>



<p>Wall Street&#8217;s main indexes closed higher on Thursday, with the Nasdaq rising more than 2% after July U.S. retail sales data signalled resilient consumer spending, allaying fears of an imminent recession in the world&#8217;s largest economy.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gold">GOLD</h2>



<p>Gold prices steadied on Friday and were headed for a weekly gain on optimism about a U.S. interest rate cut, while traders wait for Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell&#8217;s speech due next week for cues on the size of the cut.</p>



<p>&#8211; &#8211; &#8211; &#8211;</p>



<p>Some of the main stories out in the South African press:</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-business-day">BUSINESS DAY</h2>



<p>&#8211; Lesetja Kganyago says monetary policy no panacea for inequality</p>



<p>&#8211; Now medical professionals say they will not sign Ramaphosa&#8217;s health compact</p>



<p>&#8211; Rand firms below R18/$ for the first time in a month</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fin-24">FIN 24</h2>



<p>&#8211; Why Standard Bank is betting on insurance and investments in SA, Nigeria and Kenya</p>



<p>(Compiled by Alexander Winning)</p>


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South African rand softer ahead of leading indicator

South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 20

South African rand dips ahead of inflation data this week

African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 19

South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 19

South African Markets – Factors to watch on Aug 16

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