Rand softer

Mixed denomination rand currency banknotes are arranged for a photograph at a First National Bank (FNB) branch in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Friday, March 15, 2013. A recovery in mining and manufacturing is giving South Africa's rand and bonds a breather amid concern that growth is slowing while inflation accelerates. Photographer: Nadine Hutton/Bloomberg via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG. — South Africa’s rand fell yesterday, tracking Asian currencies lower as an uptick in United States manufacturing data lifted demand for the dollar.

At 0640 GMT the rand was 0,35 percent weaker at 14,2150 per dollar compared to a close of 14,1650 overnight in New York, retreating from a 1-week high hit after Moody’s delayed a potential credit rating downgrade.

After the decision, which came late on Friday, the currency rallied more than 3 percent to it’s best level since March 21, but yesterday came under selling pressure as traders who had targeted levels above 14,70 on the short-side exited their positions.

A rebound in US factory activity and a strong increase in construction spending revived hopes the world’s no. 1 economy was not slowing as sharply as previously feared, boosting the greenback and treasury yields.

Another weak South African PMI print, with the measure of factory activity recording a third consecutive decline in March also dampened demand for the rand given the weak economic outlook. — Reuters.