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South African rand companies; platinum group metals stocks soar

South Africa's rand acquired versus a weaker dollar on Thursday while regional platinum group metals (PGMs) producers' shares skyrocketed over issues about supply sanctions on top palladium producer Russia.

At 1520 GMT, the rand traded at 17.6825 versus the dollar , about 0.6% stronger than its previous close.

The rand is trading greater today, improved by a weaker dollar that is raising emerging market currencies, Zain Vawda, market analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA, said.

The dollar index was last down about 0.2% versus a. basket of significant currencies, pausing a recent rally fuelled by. bets on a slower pace of interest rate cuts by the Federal. Reserve and a possible 2nd presidency for Donald Trump.

Without any significant domestic financial information releases due in. South Africa on Friday, the risk-sensitive rand is set to take. cues from the instructions of the dollar.

Johannesburg-listed PGMs miners surged on Thursday as. worldwide palladium prices increased after the U.S. asked its G-7 peers. to

consider sanctions

on top-producer Russia.

The shares of Anglo American Platinum and. Northam Platinum closed more than 13% higher.

The blue-chip Top-40 index closed about 0.45%. higher.

South Africa's benchmark 2030 federal government bond was. stronger, with the yield down 15 basis points at 9.355%.

(source: Reuters)