South African Markets - Factors to watch on April 2

JOHANNESBURG, April 2 (Reuters) - The following scheduled economic events, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Thursday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

South African Treasury bill auction

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

The South African rand was slightly stronger on Wednesday, as global markets rallied on hopes of a de-escalation in the Iran conflict.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index .JTOPI was last up 2.5%..JZAR/

GLOBAL MARKETS

Markets recoiled on Thursday as war jitters over Iran deepened, with stocks sliding, oil surging and the dollar firming after U.S. President Donald Trump dashed hopes for clarity on when the Middle East conflict might end.MKTS/GLOB

WALL STREET

Wall Street ended higher on Wednesday, with strong gains in Alphabet and other heavyweights, after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested an end to the Middle East conflict could be close..N

GOLD

Gold prices reversed course to slip more than 1% on Thursday, snapping a four-day winning streak, after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States would continue the war in Iran over the coming weeks.GOL/

EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on nTOPEMRG

- - - -

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

BUSINESS DAY

- Local government elections set to draw record 100,000 candidates

NEWS24

- Close to half of SA's water systems in 'critical state'

- Watchdog sounds alarm on stubborn egg, poultry prices as producer costs drop