South African Markets - Factors to watch on Feb 2

Kitco Media
By Reuters
Published:
Updated:
Reuters
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 2 (Reuters) - The following equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Thursday. SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS South Africa's rand strengthened against a weakened dollar on Wednesday as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. GLOBAL MARKETS Asian stocks jumped on Thursday while the dollar eased after Fed Chair Jerome Powell said a "disinflationary" process was underway, boosting risk appetite and hopes that the U.S. central bank will soon end its monetary tightening streak. WALL STREET The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed sharply higher on Wednesday after Fed Chair Powell acknowledged that inflation was starting to ease, in remarks following a quarter-point rate hike by the U.S. central bank. GOLD Gold prices extended gains on Thursday to touch their highest in more than nine months after the U.S. Fed raised interest rates by an expected 25 basis points and Chair Powell's comments were read as dovish by the market. EMERGING MARKETS For the top emerging markets news, double click on - - - -


Some of the main stories out in the South African press: BUSINESS DAY - Exporters turn to government for help with EU citrus rules - Power woes inhibit motor industry's localisation plans FIN 24 - Mine gets going in Mpumalanga as global appetite for coal turns ravenous (Compiled by Alexander Winning)

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