Free Trial

ZAR: ZARJPY Extends Rally from September Lows to 7%

ZAR

The significant rally in ZAR this month, combined with underperformance of JPY in the G10 space, has prompted an impressive ~7% bounce in ZAR/JPY off the September lows. Positive internal and external SA fundamentals (e.g. ZAR denominated gold prices re-approaching April’s all-time highs, additional China stimulus measures) have underpinned the rally. Consequently, YTD (and indeed MTD) spot gains vs. the greenback are greater than that of all other EMEA currencies.

  • A continuation of ZAR strength would set sights on 8.4489 for ZAR/JPY, the 61.8% retracement level of the July 1 – August 5 downleg. For USD/ZAR, the pair has continued heading south this week, with attention on 17.1388 next, the 1.00 projection of the 1 Jun - Jul 27 - Oct 6 2023 price swing. Note the 14-day RSI for USDZAR has hit its lowest since 2021, with the indicator in 'oversold' territory at 26.32.
  • Regarding the SARB, we think that in light of a considerably improved inflation outlook and the start of rate-cutting cycles by major central banks, the SARB will continue to loosen monetary policy in November. However, the MPC’s cautious approach and its concern over a plethora of risks will likely keep the magnitude of cuts limited to the standard 25bps. The favourable rate differential may therefore continue to bias ZAR higher.
213 words

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.

The significant rally in ZAR this month, combined with underperformance of JPY in the G10 space, has prompted an impressive ~7% bounce in ZAR/JPY off the September lows. Positive internal and external SA fundamentals (e.g. ZAR denominated gold prices re-approaching April’s all-time highs, additional China stimulus measures) have underpinned the rally. Consequently, YTD (and indeed MTD) spot gains vs. the greenback are greater than that of all other EMEA currencies.

  • A continuation of ZAR strength would set sights on 8.4489 for ZAR/JPY, the 61.8% retracement level of the July 1 – August 5 downleg. For USD/ZAR, the pair has continued heading south this week, with attention on 17.1388 next, the 1.00 projection of the 1 Jun - Jul 27 - Oct 6 2023 price swing. Note the 14-day RSI for USDZAR has hit its lowest since 2021, with the indicator in 'oversold' territory at 26.32.
  • Regarding the SARB, we think that in light of a considerably improved inflation outlook and the start of rate-cutting cycles by major central banks, the SARB will continue to loosen monetary policy in November. However, the MPC’s cautious approach and its concern over a plethora of risks will likely keep the magnitude of cuts limited to the standard 25bps. The favourable rate differential may therefore continue to bias ZAR higher.