Rand firms ahead of expected US rate cut, South African inflation data
JOHANNESBURG, Sept 18 (Reuters) -The rand firmed on Wednesday ahead of an expected U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut and South African inflation data.
At 0702 GMT, the rand traded at 17.5625 against the dollar ZAR=D3, about 0.2% firmer than its previous close.
Markets are certain the Fed will cut rates when it makes its policy announcement on Wednesday and bets are on a 50-basis-point (bp) interest rate cut in the world's biggest economy.
"The risk to the market is that the Fed only cuts rates 25bp and throws a cat amongst the pigeons," said ETM Analytics in a research note.
"A conservative 25bp rate cut would change the trajectory of the rate cuts priced in, leading to an unwinding of some trading positions and might spark a sell-off in the rand."
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers like U.S. monetary policy in addition to domestic data points.
Local investors will look to consumer inflation data for August ZACPIY=ECI on Wednesday. Analysts polled by Reuters forecast annual inflation of 4.5% last month from 4.6% in July, and at the midpoint of the central bank's 3% to 6% target range.
Falling inflation could support an interest rate cut by the South African Reserve Bank when it announces its policy decision ZAREPO=ECI on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters predict a 25bp cut to the central bank's main interest rate.
Also on Wednesday, Statistics South Africa will release July retail sales data ZARET=ECI.
South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond ZAR2030= was slightly stronger in early deals, with the yield down 2 basis points to 8.835%.
Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Alexander Smith
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