Market News
South African markets slump after Trump suspends US aid - REUTERS
Summary
- Rand falls 2% on Trump comments before paring losses
- Cost of insuring debt at highest level since August
JOHANNESBURG, Feb 3 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand, stocks and government bonds slumped on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump said he would suspend aid to the country.
Trump said, without citing evidence, that "South Africa is confiscating land" and "certain classes of people" were being treated "very badly" on Sunday, adding that he would cut off funding until the matter was investigated.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who recently signed into law legislation allowing land to be expropriated under specific conditions, said his government had not confiscated any and he would talk to Trump to foster a better understanding.