Rand reaches weakest level in three months

JOHANNESBURG - The rand is coming under increasing pressure as hopes for interest rate cuts begin to wane.

Yesterday, the local unit fell to a significant low of R19.23 cents against the US dollar and has since recovered somewhat to about R19.16 cents.   

The rand is also facing pressure from the US dollar --which has firmed significantly on the back of a greater chance for an interest rate pause being priced in by traders, rather than a rate cut, in March amid resilience in the US economy.

Markets are also focusing on Q4 US GDP data due out on Thursday.

The rand -- which is the weakest in three months, will push up the price of fuel and higher inflation.