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US Dollar vs South African Rand (USD/ZAR)

Trading Conditions:

Axi Symbol: USDZAR

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3 Day Financing: Wednesday

Long Position Overnight Fee: displayed on the trading platform

Short Position Overnight Fee: displayed on the trading platform

Pricing is indicative. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Client sentiment is provided for general information only, is historical in nature and is not intended to provide any form of trading or investment advice - it must not form the basis of your trading or investment decisions.

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Time Country Currency Volatility Event Name Actual Previous Consensus Better Than Expected Is All Day
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What is USD/ZAR?

The USD/ZAR forex pair represents the exchange rate between the United States dollar (USD) and the South African rand (ZAR). In this pair, the USD is the base currency, and the ZAR is the quote currency. This means that if the USD/ZAR exchange rate is 18.72, it would take 18.72 South African rands to purchase one US dollar.

The South African rand has a history dating back to 1961, the year it replaced the South African pound. It was introduced after South Africa became a republic, breaking ties with the British Commonwealth. Since then, the South African rand has undergone several changes and redenominations. It is known for its volatility in the forex market, which can make it an attractive option for traders to monitor.

Nicknamed the “Greenback,” the US dollar is considered the world’s primary reserve currency, held by most central banks and investment institutions. It also acts as legal tender in a few countries, including Ecuador, El Salvador, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Timor-Leste, and Zimbabwe. The dollar's dominance in international trade has significant implications for exchange rates and economic policies around the globe, and it can serve as a benchmark for nations that choose to link or peg their currencies to the dollar's value.

Many countries and central banks hold significant reserves of US dollars as part of their foreign exchange reserves. These reserves are often used to stabilise their own currencies or facilitate international trade.

What affects the price of the USD/ZAR pair?

Actions and monetary policy statements released by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and the US Federal Reserve can influence the exchange rate of the pair. Changes in monetary policy, such as interest rate decisions and quantitative easing programmes, can have a direct impact.

South Africa is a major producer of commodities such as gold, platinum, and coal, and therefore changes in commodity prices can impact South Africa's trade balance and, in turn, the ZAR. For example, rising commodity prices can boost South Africa's exports and strengthen the ZAR.

Other factors that can affect the exchange rate include several economic indicators. These indicators include inflation rates, unemployment rates, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth. A higher inflation rate can lead to a decrease in the value of the ZAR as it erodes purchasing power. Similarly, high unemployment rates and slow GDP growth can also negatively impact the exchange rate as they indicate a weaker economy.

What to watch out for when trading USD/ZAR?

Traders of USD/ZAR should watch out for announcements from key influential organisations in both countries. These include:  

  • South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and US Federal Reserve Interest Rate decisions and monetary announcements
  • US and South Africa data on Trade Balance, Unemployment Rate, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and GDP
Data is sourced from third-party providers. This information is not to be construed as a recommendation; or an offer to buy or sell; or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security, financial product, or instrument; or to participate in any trading strategy. It has been prepared without taking your objectives, financial situation, or needs into account. Any references to past performance and forecasts are not reliable indicators of future results. Axi makes no representation and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy and completeness of the content in this publication. Readers should seek their own advice.

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