The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect South African markets on Thursday.
Economic Events
Statistics South Africa publishes producer price inflation data at 0930 GMT.
Companies
Retailer Mr Price (MRPJ.J) and Stefanutti Stocks (SSKJ.J) will publish half-year earnings.
South African Markets
South Africa's rand dipped on Wednesday, erasing gains earlier in the session, after data showed consumer price inflation in October rose, but not by enough to dampen expectations of further monetary policy easing.
Global Markets
Asian shares advanced on Thursday as markets' euphoric mood over COVID-19 vaccines and the prospects of more political predictability and economic stimulus under the incoming Biden administration overrode a slate of weak U.S. economic data.
Wall Street
The S&P 500 index (.SPX) closed lower on Wednesday as mounting U.S. layoffs in the wake of new mandated lockdowns to contain surging COVID-19 infections dampened investor risk appetite.
Gold
Gold prices rose on Thursday as grim U.S. jobs data and worries over surging COVID-19 cases worldwide cast doubts over a quick economic recovery and bolstered the metal's safe-haven appeal.
Some of the main stories out in the South African press:
Business Day
- Western Cape considers local restrictions to fight resurgent Covid-19
Business Report
- EOH staff helped to bypass tender rules