Rand hits massive milestone as investors back new government

Hours before Cyril Ramaphosa begins another term as South Africa’s president, traders are giving him a vote of confidence.

The nation’s currency rose the most in emerging markets Wednesday, trading at a level stronger than R18 per dollar for the first time in more than 10 months.

The equity benchmark in Johannesburg jumped to a record high, and the 10-year sovereign bond yield extended its decline toward the lowest close in 14 months.

That’s a turnaround for South Africa’s markets, which wobbled in the aftermath of general elections on May 29, when the ruling African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority by a greater degree than expected.

However, after tense coalition talks, the government that took shape proved to be to investors’ liking, who expected it to be market-friendly and implement reforms necessary to drive growth. 

“The mood music around South African assets has changed considerably,” said Simon Harvey, the head of FX analysis at Monex Europe.

“The outlook for fiscal consolidation and structural reforms looks constructive, as does the economic outlook.”

Investors are now awaiting news on appointments to ministries and key posts. Harvey said he expects the pro-growth stance to be affirmed by the appointments, while data may show the central bank gaining the capacity to cut interest rates and support growth by the year-end.

Ramaphosa will be sworn in at 11:25 am in Pretoria, according to an official communication. He will head a government of national unity that includes the Democratic Alliance, which investors consider market friendly.

The left-leaning Economic Freedom Fighters and the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe led by former president Jacob Zuma are not part of this coalition.

Here’s how South African assets were trading at 9:52 a.m. in Johannesburg.

Rand 

The currency rose for the eighth time in the past nine days, trading as high as 17.9273 per dollar on Wednesday. 

“USD/ZAR remains heavy given the markets’ most favourable outcome came true,” said Robert Hoodless, co-head of FX and macro analysis at InTouch Capital.

“A possible break below 18 is encouraging some to look toward 17.50 as a wave of optimism about better governance in South Africa continues,” Hoodless said.

The gains have more room to run, according to Barclays Plc strategists Marek Raczko and Sheryl Dong. The risk premium commanded by the currency pair has compressed to 2.5% from 10% earlier in the year, they wrote in a note to clients.

Stocks

The benchmark FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rallied as much as 2% to an all-time high of 81,364.39. Banking shares extended their rally to a sixth day, the longest winning streak in almost a year.

Local bonds

The yield on South Africa’s local-currency bonds due 2035 fell as low as 11.23%, the lowest closing level since April 2023. The securities are the top performers among developing-nation peers this month, having returned 9.3% in dollar terms.

Dollar bonds

South Africa’s international bonds also posted some of the biggest gains in emerging markets on Wednesday, with the dollar note due September 2047 trading at the highest level since Jan. 15.