Rand weakens against US dollar

JOHANNESBURG - The rand is just 25 cents short of R18 to the US dollar.

Analysts say there are two factors acting against the local currency.

READ: Rand remains weak against the dollar

The dollar is strengthening as interest rates are expected to be hiked sharply in the US this week but they also say powers cuts are not helping sentiment.

A weaker rand stokes inflation as it increases the cost of imports.