Rand weakens, hovers near R17 to the dollar

Rand weakens, hovers near R17 to the dollar
Nokuthula Khanyile
Fri, 03/20/2026 - 07:15




























JOHANNESBURG - The rand is under pressure, weakening against a stronger dollar and hovering near R17. 
Investors are now weighing inflation data and the interest-rate outlook.
South Africa’s headline inflation eased for a second month to 3 percent in February, hitting the Reserve Bank’s new target and coming in slightly below expectations.
But despite the improvement, the bank is expected to remain cautious.

READ | Annual consumer price index drops to 3% in February

Rising geopolitical risks linked to the Middle East war have pushed oil prices higher, creating fresh inflation threats for 2026.
The concern is that higher fuel costs could spill over into transport, food and broader price pressures.
Economists expect the Reserve Bank to keep interest rates unchanged at its next meeting.