South African Rand: ZAR outperforms on carry and Gold – Societe Generale

Societe Generale strategists highlight that the South African Rand (ZAR) continues to outperform in CEEMEA, gaining about 2.4% versus the US Dollar (USD) in spot terms this month. USD/ZAR is close to breaking below 16.00 for the first time since February. Stronger Gold prices, dovish Federal Reserve (Fed) repricing, and robust foreign demand for South African Government Bonds are supporting the currency.

Risk proxy rand nears key USD/ZAR level

"ZAR extends outperformance in CEEMEA."

"The rand remains the region’s top performer this month (spot +2.4% vs USD, total return +2.7%), with USD/ZAR now within 1% of returning below the 16.00 for the first time since early February."

"The combination of firmer gold prices and dovish Fed repricing following the recent US NFP and CPI releases has provided a supportive backdrop for the risk proxy rand."

"Foreign investors purchased a net ZAR23.1bn of SAGBs in the first week of August, the strongest weekly inflow since January, underscoring robust demand for carry."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)