South African Markets -Factors to watch on March 26

JOHANNESBURG, March 26 (Reuters) - The following scheduled economic events, company announcements, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Thursday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

South African Reserve Bank interest rate decision ZAREPO=ECI

February producer price index ZAPPIY=ECI

COMPANIES

Standard Bank SBKJ.J capital markets day

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

The South African rand was steady in early trade on Wednesday as traders cautiously assessed U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that Washington was in negotiations to end to the war with Iran.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index .JTOPI was up 1.1% in early trade..JZAR/

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks struggled for direction while the dollar held firm on Thursday as investors treaded cautiously amid dizzying developments in the Middle East, where Iran said it would weigh a U.S. proposal to end the Gulf conflict. MKTS/GLOB

WALL STREET

Wall Street's main indexes closed higher on Wednesday as oil prices fell while Iran reviewed a U.S. proposal to end the war in the Middle East, feeding investor hopes for de-escalation in the fourth week of a war that has disrupted global energy flows and stoked inflation concerns..N

GOLD

Gold prices held steady on Thursday, as investors awaited clearer signs of progress in Middle East de-escalation efforts and stayed cautious ahead of fresh geopolitical developments that could shape safe-haven demand.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

- Nedbank warns oil shock may reignite inflation as rand weakens

NEWS24

- South Africa's minister of mineral and petroleum resources vows crackdown on fuel hoarders