ZAR/SGD Price & Performance (ZARSGD)

The South African rand has strengthened against the US dollar, closing at R18.24/USD on Friday. This comes amid expectations of multiple US interest rate cuts by year-end. The weaker dollar reflects concerns about the US economy, while the rand benefits from the shift in global currency dynamics.1

The Central Bank of Iran announced updated exchange rates, with $1 now at 586,010 rials. Forty-one currencies saw increases, while four decreased. On the black market, $1 trades at approximately 921,000–924,000 rials, reflecting a significant disparity from official rates as economic pressures persist.2

South Africa's HIV response has been severely impacted by a freeze in US foreign assistance, affecting over 15,000 healthcare staff and services for 222,000 patients. The closure of key clinics and NGOs has disrupted treatment access, raising concerns about public health and vulnerable populations.3