MyCURRENCY News | Week 15 2025

What we know

The USD.ZAR had a wide range last week, starting off at its strongest level of 19.08 on Monday and weakening to 19.92 on Wednesday. This was followed by a sharp pullback on Wednesday afternoon, where it has since been trying to find its new level.

The Rand’s continued weakness on Wednesday was due to the 30% tariff imposed by the US. This, alongside the possibility of the GNU collapsing, increased the Rand’s risk. The Rand strengthened later in the day on Wednesday, following Donald Trump’s decision to pause these tariffs for 90 days.

While the Rand has weakened against the Dollar, we have seen an even greater weakening against the EUR and GBP. The Rand reached its all-time weakest levels against the Euro and Sterling last week – 22.14 and 25.46, respectively. The Rand has fared relatively well against the Dollar when compared to the Pound and Euro. This comes off the back of the Dollar reaching its weakest levels since 2022.

Overall, the Rand has weakened substantially against most major currencies, but its efforts to regain some ground have not gone unnoticed. Provided we can keep our government together, keep the imposition of tariffs at bay, and maintain electricity supply, we can begin to be hopeful – although rebuilding investor confidence may be slow.

What others say

Business Tech – Surprise twist for interest rates in South Africa

“With a recession in the United States now seen as a baseline, economists anticipate some drastic interest rate cuts to follow later in the year – with the same possible for South Africa.”

Reuters – Back to Russian gas? Trump-wary EU has energy security dilemma

“More than three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Europe’s energy security is fragile.”

News24 – Petrol, diesel prices may still get cheaper – despite rand crash

“Oil prices are under pressure as the risk of global recessions will weigh on fuel demand, but a shock OPEC+ decision to raise production also contributed.”