South African Markets - Factors to watch on Feb 15

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 15 (Reuters) - The following scheduled economic events, company announcements, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Wednesday. ECONOMIC EVENTS January inflation figures January business confidence December retail sales COMPANIES DRDGold financial results SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS The South African rand firmed on Tuesday against the U.S. dollar, which fell to a roughly two-week low after data showed U.S. inflation rose at its slowest pace in 16 months. GLOBAL MARKETS Asian stocks slipped while the U.S. dollar held firm on Wednesday following U.S. inflation data and remarks from central bank officials that have investors worrying interest rates are going to be higher for longer. WALL STREET Wall Street stocks ended mixed on Tuesday after U.S. consumer price data for January offered little to change expectations about the Federal Reserve's path forward on interest rate hikes. GOLD Gold prices were lower on Wednesday, as the dollar firmed after data showing sticky U.S. inflation added to concerns that the Federal Reserve would persist with monetary policy tightening. EMERGING MARKETS For the top emerging markets news, double click on - - - -

Some of the main stories out in the South African press: BUSINESS DAY - Alarm bells ring deep inside presidency - Unions unhappy about consultations on energy transition FIN 24 - Eskom's losses may balloon to 20 bln rand this year (Compiled by Alexander Winning)