ZAR: the Minister's power

ZAR: the Minister's power

2020-02-26 • Updated

Fundamental

On the H1 chart of USD/ZAR, we can see how this currency pair reacted to the speech of the South African Minister of Finance. Tito Mboweni was speaking for one hour, addressing a wide spectrum of issues in the course of the new budget presentation. The speech was controversial at times but contained certain strong moves and announcements, which – at least, in theory – present significant opportunities for the country to exit the economic stalemate it is in now and move ahead.

The solutions mentioned by Mr. Mboweni ranged from ensuring reliable state-wide electricity supply and increasing taxes on cigars and vapes to establishing a new state reserve fund and dealing with wage disparities. Therefore, from the external observers’ point of view, the speech was full of good indications, without further analysis. Hence, the weakening of the USD against the ZAR is natural in such a promising (for South Africa) atmosphere.

However, the intrigue of the current position of ZAR is whether the market players are convinced enough to start buying ZAR and push it down below the marked trend line. This line is roughly the lower border of the long-term upward trend, during which the South African rand has been consistently losing its positions to the US dollar.

Hence, so far the positive impression of Minister Mboweni’s presentation limited its effect to dragging the ZAR down to the border of this trajectory. But will it be enough to break the strategic direction and change the trend? Probably, to do that, the market needs to time-check the strong announcements Minister Mboweni made and verify them against reality. If there are early signs of positive changes, we are likely to see ZAR gain value against the USD. If not – the trend will go just as it has been for almost the last 10 years.

Technical

Currently, USD/ZAR trades at 15.1277. That is where it tests the local support of 15.1000. In the mid-term, this support has strategic importance: if the currency pair breaks it on the way downwards, that means it will challenge 200-MA roughly at 15.0500. Passing it downwards would signal a strategic trend change – as long as it stays below the 200-MA long enough to break the trend. Otherwise, local resistance levels are at 15.1800 and 15.2400. 15.34500 is where the USD/ZAR started its slide down on the speech of Minister Mboweni. If this level is reached again, that means the positive push for ZAR is undone, and the currency pair would aim at 15.4000 in this scenario.

USDZARH1.png

                                                                                          LOG IN

Similar

How Will China’s Regulation Affect Oil?
How Will China’s Regulation Affect Oil?

China has issued new oil product export quotas to allow oil companies to send surplus barrels overseas, particularly Sinopec, which has the highest volume among quota holders. While the exact quota volume remains undisclosed, oil companies are forecasted to export approximately 3.5 million metric tons of clean oil products in September, a 10% increase from August.

The Oil Market in the Month of June
The Oil Market in the Month of June

Thanks to the incredible advancements in horizontal drilling and fracking technology, the United States has experienced a mind-blowing shale revolution. They've become the heavyweight champion of crude oil production, leaving Saudi Arabia and Russia in the dust. They even turned the tables and became net exporters of refined petroleum products in 2011.

Oil Market Outlook
Oil Market Outlook

Oil prices rebounded slightly on Friday but are still expected to show losses for the week due to concerns about slowing growth in the US and China. US crude futures rose 2.7% to $70.41 per barrel, while the Brent contract increased by 2.5% to $74.33 per barrel.

Latest news

Gold is Rising Despite Inflation Returns
Gold is Rising Despite Inflation Returns

Gold prices are rising for three consecutive days ahead of the Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision, which is expected to remain unchanged due to declining inflation and a positive economic outlook. Investors are keen on the Fed's interest rate guidance, fearing a hawkish stance that could trigger market risk aversion.

Can the Chinese Economy Recover?
Can the Chinese Economy Recover?

Amid concerns of a Chinese economic slowdown, reports of declining investment often overlook China's efficient investment strategy in emerging sectors for long-term growth. China has taken measures to stabilize foreign and private sector investments, like reducing the reserve requirement ratio to boost investor confidence.

Deposit with your local payment systems

Data collection notice

FBS maintains a record of your data to run this website. By pressing the “Accept” button, you agree to our Privacy policy.

Callback

A manager will call you shortly.

Change number

Your request is accepted.

A manager will call you shortly.

Next callback request for this phone number
will be available in

If you have an urgent issue please contact us via
Live chat

Internal error. Please try again later

Don’t waste your time – keep track of how NFP affects the US dollar and profit!

You are using an older version of your browser.

Update it to the latest version or try another one for a safer, more comfortable and productive trading experience.

Safari Chrome Firefox Opera