The South African (SA) Rand gained in early trade on Wednesday after muted United States (US) economic data bolstered expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in December, weighing on the Dollar.

Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as US policy and economic data in addition to domestic releases.

The Rand was up 0.3% at 17.17 to the Dollar. The Dollar was also down 0.2% against a basket of currencies.

“The focus at the moment appears to be on some downbeat data from the US, which has prompted investors to price in the rising probability that the Fed will reduce interest rates,” ETM Analytics said in a research note.

Bets on a quarter-point Fed rate cut next month have firmed over the past few sessions, driven by weak economic data and comments from central bank officials backing monetary easing.

On the domestic front, all eyes will be on producer inflation numbers due on Thursday and credit, trade and budget data on Friday.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index was up 1.4% in early trade.

SA’s benchmark 2035 government bond strengthened slightly, with the yield falling by 1.5 basis points to 8.595%.

–Reuters–