South African Markets - Factors to watch on March 25

JOHANNESBURG, March 25 (Reuters) - The following equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Wednesday.

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

The South African rand weakened on Tuesday as a firm U.S. dollar outweighed data showing an expansion in economic activity signalled by the central bank's leading business cycle indicator.

Johannesburg's Top-40 index .JTOPI was last down 0.3%..JZAR/

GLOBAL MARKETS

Stocks rose and oil fell on Wednesday on reports the U.S. is seeking a month-long ceasefire in its war on Iran, and had sent a 15-point plan to Iran for discussion, raising hopes for a resumption of oil exports out of the Persian Gulf.MKTS/GLOB

WALL STREET

Wall Street indexes lost ground in Tuesday's volatile session as investors swayed between fears of rising oil prices and hopes for a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran as U.S. President Trump claimed progress in talks even as reports suggested that more American troops were headed to the Middle East..N

GOLD

Gold rose more than 2% on Wednesday, buoyed by a softer dollar, while a drop in oil prices eased concerns about elevated inflation and higher global interest rates, amid reports of a U.S. plan to end the Middle East war.GOL/

EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on nTOPEMRG

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Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

BUSINESS DAY

- Calls grow for temporary fuel tax relief amid Middle East tension

NEWS24

- 800 troops headed for Cape Flats as it bears brunt of 83 Western Cape killings in past 11 days

- Govt wants new framework to regulate podcasts in SA