South African rand firms on moderate US inflation data
Updates prices, adds analyst comment in paragraph 5
JOHANNESBURG, Aug 14 (Reuters) -South Africa's rand firmed on Wednesday after U.S. inflation data strengthened expectations that rate cuts in the world's biggest economy are near.
At 1535 GMT, the rand traded at 18.0575 against the dollar ZAR=D3, about 0.2% stronger than its previous close.
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes direction from global drivers like U.S. economic data and monetary policy in addition to local factors.
U.S. consumer prices rose moderately in July and the annual increase in inflation slowed to below 3% for the first time since early 2021, data on Wednesday showed.
"The data suggests that the Federal Reserve may be more inclined to lower interest rates as inflation is approaching the 2% target," said Wichard Cilliers, head of market risk at TreasuryONE.
On the domestic front, data from the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry showed that its Business Confidence Index ZABCI=ECI rose to 109.1 in July, up from 109.0 in June and 107.8 in May.
Separately Statistics South Africa figures showed retail sales rose 4.1% year on year in June after rising by a revised 1.1% in May.
On the stock market, the Top-40 index .JTOPI closed about 0.5% up.
South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond ZAR2030= was stronger, with the yield down 13 basis points to 9.135%.
Reporting by Tannur Anders and Bhargav Acharya;
Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and David Holmes
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