South Africa Update 8 th August 2017, the day president of South Africa, Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence vote in parliament, which made sure that he will maintain power of one of the biggest economies in the African continent. It is worth noting that it was the eighth vote of no-confidence that Zuma has survived since being in charge. About Jacob Zuma Name: Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma Born: 12 April 1942 Birthplace: Nkandla, South Africa Political part: African National Congress Jacob Zuma, who has been involved in corruption allegations since being elected as the president of South Africa in 2009, survived the vote by a majority of 198 votes to 177 after the vote was called by the Democratic Alliance party who accused Zuma of suppressing democracy.
Even though the motion was defeated, it might still have an impact on the party which currently leads South Africa. Unlike the previous no-confidence votes, the latest vote was held anonymously and there were suggestions it could reach 50 votes of no-confidence from the Zuma’s African National Congress party, which is the number required to pass the motion. Instead 24 members of his part voted against their leader, around 12 others refrained or failed to show up to the vote which would suggest further unrest within the party further down the line.
Many have suggested that Zuma will not last until 2019, which is when the next general election takes place. Financial Markets The South African Rand weakened against the US Dollar after President Jacob Zuma survived a no-confidence which could have ended his administration of the African nation. The decline was a big turnaround for the Rand which was the best performing major currency on earlier in the week.
Despite the result, it is unlikely to cause a major weakness as the result was largely priced in before the vote took place. USD/ZAR By: Klavs Valters GO Markets
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FX markets face a data-heavy period in the coming days, led by US inflation releases and late-week flash purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs).
Regional data and central bank expectations in Japan, Europe, and Australia may influence cross-currency moves, particularly if outcomes differ from expectations.
Quick facts:
US Personal Income and Outlays is a key inflation release this week, closely watched by policymakers.
Flash PMIs across the US, Eurozone, Germany, and the UK offer a timely read on growth momentum.
Australian data, including labour market indicators, remains important for AUD sensitivity and Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) expectations.
FX markets can be sensitive when data outcomes differ from expectations.
USDJPY
What to watch
US attention centres on inflation and activity data, particularly the Personal Income and Outlays report and the PCE price index, alongside late-week flash manufacturing and services PMIs.
These releases are closely followed by markets for their potential influence on rate expectations and USD sensitivity.
On the JPY side, Bank of Japan (BoJ) developments remain relevant, although US data has often been a key driver of recent moves.
Key releases and events
Fri 23 Jan (US): US Personal Income and Outlays (including PCE inflation)
Fri 23 Jan (US): Manufacturing and services PMI
Technical snapshot
USDJPY continues to trade above its rising 200-day moving average, with recent daily candles showing greater overlap and smaller ranges over recent weeks.
Price has remained above the long-term average since late September, with higher swing lows still visible.
Momentum appears to have moderated since early January, consistent with slowing follow-through rather than reversal.
Daily ranges have narrowed compared with the October to November advance, again suggesting short-term consolidation.
Eurozone flash PMIs and Germany producer price index (PPI) data provide insights into regional growth momentum and whether inflation pressures are building.
While these releases may influence immediate EUR sentiment, EURUSD continues to trade in the broader context of US data outcomes and global risk conditions.
EURUSD is trading above its rising 200-day moving average (daily chart), although price action since July suggests the market has become more range-bound rather than directional, following the advances in the first half of 2025.
The broader upward structure has been in place since the beginning of 2025, although progress higher has stalled over recent months.
Momentum readings have drifted toward neutral since late November, consistent with balanced conditions.
Average daily range has continued to compress since July, consistent with a flattening of the trend.
Australian labour market data remains central for AUD sensitivity and RBA expectations. UK CPI is also due this week, which may contribute to cross volatility, particularly if it shifts expectations around the UK rates outlook.
Late-week PMI releases can also influence short-term direction, especially where they add to or challenge the current growth narrative.
Key releases and events
Wed 21 Jan: UK CPI
Thu 22 Jan: Australia Labour Force, Australia (December 2025)
Fri 23 Jan: UK flash PMIs (manufacturing and services)
Technical snapshot
GBPAUD continues to trade below its long-term moving average, with price action remaining in a downside direction since late November.
The long-term average flattened through September and has turned lower since October, with the price remaining below and showing recent signs of a greater gap between the price and the moving average.
Momentum has remained below neutral over recent months, with any retracements to the upside showing limited follow-through.
Daily ranges have narrowed compared with earlier swings, suggesting a consistent but controlled drop in price rather than impulsive movement.
With multiple data releases due across key regions, FX markets may remain sensitive to outcomes that differ from expectations.
Existing technical conditions suggest that reactions may vary by pair, with some markets consolidating while others could retain recent directional characteristics.
