South African Markets

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 4 (Reuters) – The following economic event, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Friday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

South Africa’s government will hold its weekly auction of inflation-linked bonds.

The South African rand slumped against a buoyant dollar on Thursday as tensions simmered in the Middle East following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the blue-chip Top-40 index closed 0.75% weaker.

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks retreated on Friday while oil prices headed for their sharpest weekly gain in more than a year, as escalating tensions in the Middle East kept markets on edge ahead of a U.S. jobs report later in the day.

WALL STREET

U.S. stocks finished lower on Thursday ahead of Friday’s monthly U.S. payrolls report and as investors kept a watchful eye on the growing conflict in the Middle East.

GOLD

Gold prices climbed on Friday, supported by safe-haven demand arising from the Middle East conflict, while spotlight shifted towards U.S. payrolls report to gauge the trajectory of the Federal Reserve’s policy path.

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Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

FIN 24

– Growth could triple if government reform accelerates, says think-tank

– Eskom price hike to kill smelters and create ghost towns, says Rio Tinto exec

– Ramokgopa will oppose Eskom hike above 20%, wants delay of carbon tax

(Compiled by Tannur Anders)

ECONOMIC EVENTS