Eish, it seems the Rand is wearing some suit of armour the past couple of weeks.

While Moody’s slaps America’s credit and banks, Trump roasts Ramaphosa in the Oval Office, and Bitcoin tears through six‑figures...

...yet the Rand ended stronger than it started again—make sense?

The Rand kicked off the week at R18.05/$, and by the time Jo'burg traders switched on their screens, Moody's downgrade of major US banks had hit the news desks, following a downgrade of US debt.

While the Rand initially strengthened below R18/$, the market soon reversed to close around R18.07/$ as traders hedged their bets ahead of a big news week, especially for Saffers, with the president heading to the White House mid-week.

Tuesday was pretty much one-way traffic as the market hedged its bets ahead of Wednesday's anticipated showpiece.

It certainly did not disappoint...as Trump’s midday presser exploded across every news feed.

In an unprecedented move, the US President used the opportunity to show footage and evidence to back up the White House allegations of persecution (and justifying the fast‑tracking of refugee status for threatened SA farmers and other individuals fearing persecution)...

...in a move which forced a reluctant mainstream media to air live what they have continually stated were "baseless claims"...

...and causing the South African President (and most of those with him) to squirm uncomfortably in their seats.

While we are not sure what happened behind closed doors thereafter, you can be sure it was not all pleasantries, with the US government having plenty of issues to discuss with the ANC-led government, especially their alignment with US adversaries and their socialistic/communistic agenda and objective...

...it will be interesting to see what comes out of this.

The Rand actually managed very well in the circumstances, closing around R17.95/$ in after-hours trade.

And in other news...

Trade Deals Move Forward
It appears a number of trade deals with the US are moving forward in negotiations, with revised dates for tariffs kicking in as a result, one of the most important being with China where the U.S has the biggest trade deficit amongst its trading partners.

One thing is for certain: in 6 months’ time, global trade as we have known it for the past few decades will have changed completely.

Bitcoin Breaks above $110,000
Bitcoin continued to shine this past week as it pushed above $110,000 in a move which surprised many.

But for those that have been getting our forecasts, this was exactly where we saw it heading, with our updated analysis showing some potential targets for the next few weeks and months.

Want to see our latest on Bitcoin, as well as Gold, Dollar, Euro?
Grab our 7 DAY FREE TRIAL here

Getting back to the Rand...

The Rand opened a shade heavy at R18.02/$—then Stats SA dropped the April inflation bomb: 2.8 % year‑on‑year, bang below SARB’s lower band.

This hinted at lower rates, which should have been Rand negative, but it did the opposite as the Rand immediately spiked down to R17.92 before most desks had topped up their coffee.

But it didn't stay that way, as traders then drove the market up to hit.R18.07/$ before the Rand managed to pull back and close below R18...once again!

Friday’s tone was set long before Jo’burg switched on...

..as the US Dollar index cracked the century mark in Asian trade.

As the Rand greeted sunrise at R18.02, Rand bulls dipped a toe and—seeing no real resistance—pushed the market down to R17.88/$ before breakfast...

...and then pushed home the advantage, punching the week’s low at R17.81 and cementing the fourth straight day below eighteen to the greenback.

A hotter‑than‑forecast US PMI gave the greenback a brief sugar‑rush, but the move lacked conviction as the market closed near its low for the week...

...its best levels in over 5 months!

...four sessions under eighteen and a weekly gain of 24c in the bag—proof the Rand can still dance while headlines burn.

Time to remember:

“Markets don’t move on logic—they move on how hard traders panic…or party.”

And you don't want to be one of the trader herd that does either!

For that, you need an understanding of how the markets work and why you need an objective view (like our charts above) to help you make the right decision at the right time!

Want to understand how the market actually works
- and how to use this to advantage?
Download your
"Unpuzzling the Rand" eBook HERE ⇨

The Week Ahead

Another pulsating week is already underway, with more trade deals on the cards, SARB's hand being forced into a possible rate cut...

...while the Ukraine/Russia peace negotiations seem to have taken a step back amid allegations of attempts on Putin's life and missile attacks from both sides on cities.

It seems there is no end of drama, which means no end of volatility!

And that means—and we say it every week—timing really is everything…

Want to know when to act, not just what to watch?

To give you a little helping hand, feel free to take our Rand forecasting service for a test-drive!

This will give you access to the same charts that help guide us and our clients with the likely direction of the Rand - ahead of time, enabling us to make educated and informed decisions.

Simply use the link below to get access now.

No charge. No card. All yours to try out for 14 days.

If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them below.

To your success~

James Paynter

P.S. Worrying about how to in manage your Rand exposures this year? Email me or give me a call on (041) 373-6310 or (087) 551 2848 - we would love to help.

P.S. Enjoyed this Weekly Rand Review? Click here to get our Weekly Rand Rev