20/10/2026
Overnight curfews in various French cities saw some respite from the recent protests in France. The Euro has managed to make some small gains, while the Dollar has eased slightly lower. Despite the pullback, the Dollar's upward trajectory remains intact, with inflation concerns, higher-for-longer US interest rates, and ongoing geopolitical risks underpinning the currency. Market focus now shifts to upcoming central bank decisions and updated inflation data.
The Rand continues to trade on a firmer footing ahead of tomorrow's CPI numbers and the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. Currently, the Rand is trading around the R16.40 level, with the next target being the 200-day moving average at R16.32.
Gold is trading largely unchanged at $4,134 this morning as it fails to gain any traction from a slightly softer Dollar and increased political risk safe-haven demand. The higher Oil price is not helping the metal as inflation concerns and higher global interest rates weigh on the metal. Brent has climbed to just below $110.00 this morning, as Houthi attacks on Saudi installations persist, entrenching the geopolitical risk premium.