The dollar remained near seven-week lows as the U.S. Federal Reserve hinted that its rate hike program might be coming to an end, but the rand rose against the dollar in early trade on Thursday March 23 2023.
The Fed on Wednesday raised interest rates by a widely expected 25 basis points (bps) and indicated it might pause further increases after the recent collapse of two U.S. banks.
At 0630 GMT, the rand traded at 18.1475 against the dollar, 0.89% stronger than its previous close.
The dollar index , which measures the currency against six rivals, was last trading down 0.44% at 101.99.
Headline inflation in South Africa rose slightly in February to 7% from 6.9% in January, data showed on Wednesday, fuelling bets that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) would hike interest rates by 25 bps at its meeting next week.
“The latest headline CPI print corroborates the case for the SARB to remain hawkish next week in an effort to curb inflation,” ETM Analytics said in a research note.
The government’s benchmark 2030 bond was stronger in early deals, with the yield down 14.5 bps to 9.850%.