South African rand edges higher following hotter than expected US inflation report
The rand edged up today following a higher than expected US inflation reading. Investors remain cautious as geopolitical tensions push oil prices higher.
The South African 
ZA rand edged higher on February 20, 2026, following the release of a higher-than-expected United States 
US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation reading for December. The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index rose by 0.4% month-over-month, surpassing the consensus expectation of 0.3%. This surprise in inflationary data occurred alongside escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran 
IR, which have contributed to an increase in Brent crude oil prices.
ZA rand edged higher on February 20, 2026, following the release of a higher-than-expected United States US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation reading for December. The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index rose by 0.4% month-over-month, surpassing the consensus expectation of 0.3%. This surprise in inflationary data occurred alongside escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran IR, which have contributed to an increase in Brent crude oil prices.
