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Rand Rises Amid U.S. Inflation Surge and Tensions

2/21/2026

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Story summary
  • The South African rand rose 0.4% to 16.08 per dollar after a higher-than-expected U.S. inflation reading.
  • The Personal Consumption Expenditure index rose 0.4% in December, beating the 0.3% forecast.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump warned of possible actions if a nuclear deal is not reached, heightening tensions with Iran.
  • The JSE Top 40 slipped as traders awaited U.S. inflation data.