South Africa to make changes to US trade deal, and the big problem for MTN

The rand and South African government bonds strengthened on Tuesday, driven by investor optimism regarding progress towards a lower inflation target. 

The rand was trading at 17.65 against the dollar, reflecting an increase of about 0.3% from Monday’s closing level. The rand has reached its highest level since November and has gained more than 6% so far this year. 

A South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and National Treasury team will soon present recommendations to both the SARB governor and the finance minister over the nation’s inflation target.

“With the Reserve Bank showing a strong preference for a significant reduction in the inflation target, investor confidence has been greatly boosted,” said Annabel Bishop, chief economist at Investec.

On Wednesday, 2 July, the rand was trading at R17.60 to the dollar, R24.19 to the pound and R20.81 to the euro. Oil was trading slightly lower at $66.47 a barrel.

Here are five other important things happening in and affecting South Africa today:

US trade deal changes: South Africa may need to revise its trade agreement with the US to align with new guidelines focused on reciprocal trade. The template is still awaiting approval from the US administration, which could shift compliance deadlines, according to Minister Parks Tau. [Business Day]

Big problem for MTN: South Africa is one of MTN’s four largest markets, but service revenue growth is stagnant in the single digits, says Roy Mutooni, a portfolio manager at Sanlam Investments. Although the market is significant, it faces intense competition from Vodacom and Telkom. “MTN South Africa is holding its own, but it is not growing,” said Mutooni. [MyBroadband]

OR Tambo International airport delays: Operational issues at OR Tambo International Airport caused travel delays, with long queues reported at security checkpoints. ACSA has faced security allegations regarding contract awards, but noted that passenger flow improved late Tuesday. They recommend arriving two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international ones. [News24]

Good news for SA’s economy: Sentiment among South African manufacturers improved in June as local demand boosted sales. Absa’s Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 48.5 from 43.1 in May, according to the Bureau for Economic Research. The PMI remains below 50, indicating contraction for the eighth consecutive month. [Daily Investor]

Petrol price pain: Starting today, July 2, fuel prices will increase by 52 to 55 cents per litre for 95 and 93 petrol, respectively, and by 82 to 84 cents per litre for diesel. [BusinessTech]