Weaker rand puts strain on imports

Mar 13, 2015

The rand has fallen to a new 13-year low against the dollar, after incurring losses triggered by a sell-off of emerging market currencies, based on expectations that US interests rates could rise by mid-year. “Currently imports hold firm – but we are likely to see strain being taken if the rand doesn’t regain some ground in the next few weeks.”

Rand hits June notebook sales

Jun 28, 2013

It appears that the June sales of notebooks have been hard hit by the weakness of the rand, as buyers hold back on purchases, hoping the exchange rate might improve. This is the opinion of Christopher Riley, CEO of The Notebook Company, who says: “The rand/dollar...

Weak rand not good for manufacturers

Jun 11, 2013

As the rand continues its weakening trend against the US dollar, economists have predicted greater potential for local manufacturers to compete positively with imports. “While the weak rand may present certain advantages for exporters, the reality is that local...

PC prices to rise on weak rand

Jun 4, 2013

The rand is at its weakest level against the dollar in four years – and while this might be good news for South Africa’s export and manufacturing industries, it could well play havoc with prices in the computer industry, with at least one laptop retailer, The...

Weaker rand not all bad news

Jan 31, 2013

Since the beginning of this year, the South African rand had depreciated by 6% against the USD, and is currently the weakest of EFFS tracked currencies.  Contrary to popular view, this is not likely as a result of the recent Fitch downgrade of South Africa’s sovereign...