JOHANNESBURG, Dec 20 (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand held on to gains against the dollar on Tuesday after President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected as leader of the governing African National Congress (ANC) party on Monday.
At 1535 GMT, the rand traded at 17.2875 against the dollar, 0.36% stronger than its previous close.
The local currency jumped on Monday as Ramaphosa beat former health minister Zweli Mkhize to secure a second five-year term as ANC leader, clearing the way for him to contest the presidency again at 2024 elections.
ETM Analytics said in a note that the news of Ramaphosa’s re-election came as a relief to investors.
“All eyes will return to offshore developments, including global equity market performance, China’s unfolding COVID experience and the guidance from global central banks,” analysts said, suggesting a calmer end to the year.
Shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange fell slightly, with the Top-40 index (.JTOPI) down 0.51%, while the broader all-share index (.JALSH) closed 0.43% lower.
The government’s benchmark 2030 bond was marginally down, with the yield up 1.5 basis points at 10.155%.
Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Ed Osmond and Shailesh Kuber
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