Rand a little firmer as market eyes US-China trade war
The rand weakened on Sunday after US President Donald Trump threatened to tariffs on Chinese imports, although local focus is on the elections
The rand was slightly firmer on Monday morning, recovering from some weekend losses after hopes of a US-China trade deal receded a little. US President Donald Trump threatened to levy new tariffs on Chinese imports on Friday, despite plans for Chinese negotiators to travel to Washington this week in a bid for a trade deal. Reports have suggested that China may now withdraw from the talks. Although this could just be another negotiating tactic from Trump, markets do not like being caught by surprise, hence the risk-off frenzy at the weekend, said London Capital Group head of research Jasper Lawler. On Monday morning, the rand was about 12c weaker against the dollar than its close on Friday, but had clawed back some of its losses. At 9.40am the rand was 0.25% firmer at R14.4656/$, 0.1% up at R16.1927/€ and 0.48% stronger at R18.9767/£. The euro was at $1.1191. The bid on the benchmark R186 government 10-year bond was at 8.57% from 8.545%. Local focus this week is on Wednesday’s nation...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.