UPDATE 1-South African rand companies forward of Fed price choice

(Updates to replicate afternoon commerce)

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 1 (Reuters) – South Africa’s rand strengthened in opposition to a weakened greenback on Wednesday as traders awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate of interest choice, which might sign the top of its tightening cycle.

At 1559 GMT, the rand traded at 17.1775 in opposition to the U.S. greenback, 1.22% stronger than its earlier shut.

The greenback index, which measures the foreign money in opposition to six rivals, was down round 0.4% at 101.68.

The Fed is anticipated to boost its goal rate of interest by 25 foundation factors, setting apart the speedy hikes used final yr to curb a surge in inflation in favour of a extra stepwise hunt for a stopping level.

South Africa’s new automobile gross sales rose 4.8% year-on-year in January, information confirmed on Wednesday, whereas individually the Absa Buying Managers’ Index (PMI) remained in constructive territory due to progress in enterprise exercise and inventories.

On the Johannesburg Inventory Alternate, the Prime-40 and the broader all-share indexes closed round 0.4% larger.

Amongst notable gainers, Bid Company jumped 6.57% after the meals service agency stated it anticipated its half yr revenue to rise as a lot as 49%.

Concord Gold closed 2.76% larger after the miner stated improved metallic grades at its underground mines in the course of the second quarter helped it meet manufacturing targets and offset the impression of ongoing energy cuts in South Africa and international provide chain disruptions.

The federal government’s benchmark 2030 bond was stronger in afternoon offers, with the yield down 7 foundation factors to 9.605%. (Reporting by Nellie Peyton, Nqobile Dludla and Anait Miridzhanian; Enhancing by Savio D’Souza and Jonathan Oatis)