• USD/ZAR firmed on Tuesday as rand slipped against greenback as markets awaited Wednesday’s U.S. inflation report for insights into the Federal Reserve's interest rate trajectory.
• The inflation reading could influence whether the Federal Reserve opts for a standard 25 basis point (bps) rate cut or a larger 50 bps reduction at its September 17-18 policy meeting.
• Markets are currently fully pricing in a 25 basis point (bps) rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week, with a 30% chance assigned to a 50 bps cut, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
• Immediate resistance is located at 17.983 (38.2%fib), any close above will push the pair towards 18.059 (Aug 22nd high).
• Strong support is seen at 17.884 (50%fib) and break below could take the pair towards 17.778 (61.8%fib).
Recommendation: Good to buy around 17.910 with stop loss of 17.880 and target price of 18.000
