South Africa’s rand recovers as soft U.S. data weighs on dollar

South Africa’s rand recovers as soft U.S. data weighs on dollar

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand strengthened against the dollar on Thursday as soft U.S. housing and jobs data weighed on the dollar, adding uncertainty over the timing of a rate rise from the Federal Reserve. At 1530 GMT, the rand was trading 0.61 percent firmer at 11.9925 to the dollar, compared with an overnight close of 12.0320 in New York. “The U.S. data is very soft, so that’s supporting the trend of slight bearing…

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Kenyan shilling stays at 3-year-lows, central bank action eyed

Kenyan shilling stays at 3-year-lows, central bank action eyed

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s shilling was hovering at three-year lows on Wednesday but avoiding a further slide due to expectations that the central bank could offer support by selling dollars. At 0800 GMT commercial banks quoted the shilling at 93.35/45 to the dollar, compared with 90.30/50 to the dollar at Tuesday’s close – a level last seen in November 2011. “Fundamentally, it looks weak. What’s keeping it from weakening further is the probability of the…

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South Africa’s rand, govt bonds weaker on dollar pressures

South Africa’s rand, govt bonds weaker on dollar pressures

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand gave up its gains against the dollar on Friday, as the greenback strengthened with jobless claims data easing concern over the state of the U.S. economy. At 1448 GMT the rand was trading 0.32 percent softer at 11.9885 to the dollar compared with its closing level on Thursday. The rand hit an intraday low of 12.0580/dollar during the session, its weakest level since April 1. “It’s all dollar driven…

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Zambia’s kwacha gains 3 pct on possible mining tax review

Zambia’s kwacha gains 3 pct on possible mining tax review

LUSAKA (Reuters) – Zambia’s kwacha gained more than 3 percent against the dollar on Friday, boosted by expectations of changes to the copper producer’s mining royalty regime and reduced liquidity after a rise in statutory reserves. By 1429 GMT, the kwacha was trading at 7.2000 against the dollar, 3.16 percent firmer from its closing level on Thursday.”There is some correction on the kwacha after it over shot weaker yesterday,” said Zambia analyst Irmgard Erasmus of…

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Kenyan shilling steady, traders wary of central bank intervention

Kenyan shilling steady, traders wary of central bank intervention

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s shilling was steady on Thursday, and traders said it was expected to stay in a tight band as market players traded warily anticipating the central bank would sell dollars. At 0805 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 92.65/85, compared with 92.70/75 at Wednesday’s close. “After the last intervention that happened on Tuesday, the market yesterday was very quiet indeed,” said a senior trader at one commercial bank. The shilling had…

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Kenyan shilling steady, seen supported by bond sale

Kenyan shilling steady, seen supported by bond sale

NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s shilling was little changed on Wednesday, with dollar demand in the interbank market offset by central bank liquidity mop ups and hard currency inflows from investors preparing to buy a bond. By 0920 GMT, commercial banks quoted the shilling at 92.35/55 to the dollar, barely changed from Monday’s close of 92.35/45. Sheikh Mehran, head of trading at I&M Bank, said there was early dollar demand by banks in the interbank market…

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Nigerian Central Bank closes RDAS/WDAS Foreign Exchange Window

Nigerian Central Bank closes RDAS/WDAS Foreign Exchange Window

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) today published a circular closing down the RDAS Window stating that forthwith, all demands for foreign exchange should be channeled through the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market. The Apex bank also stated that it will continue to intervene in the interbank foreign exchange market to meet genuine/legitimate demands.This is a positive development as we have always clamoured for a one-way quote to reduce speculation and unhealthy malpractices. The development can…

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