Course EUR(Euro)-ZAR(South African Rand) for today

Euro

The central bank in Europe is called the European Central Bank (ECB). Currently, 17 EU member states have adopted the Euro. It is the second-most traded currency on the forex market, after the US Dollar, and also a major global reserve currency. Other common names for the Euro include Yoyo (Irish English), Leru (Spanish), and Ege (Finnish).

• Central bank: The European Central Bank
• The euro is used by over 320 million Europeans and 17 nations in the eurozone (euro area).
• Over 175 million people use currencies pegged to the euro, such as the Danish krona (DKK) and West African CFA franc (XOF).
• Eurozone economies vary widely. Germany is the largest economy, and a leading world exporter. Other economies (Ireland, Greece) endure sovereign debt and severe government austerity measures.

South African Rand

As a trading center, multiple currencies circulated throughout South Africa. The first official currency used was the Guilder. During the late 17th century, the Rixdollar was used and was the first South African currency to include paper notes. During British occupation, in 1826, the Cape Colony was put on a sterling basis, though other currencies, including Spanish Dollars, US Dollars, French Francs, and Indian Rupees continued to circulate. In 1921, the Reserve Bank of South Africa was established as the central bank. In 1961, the South African Rand replaced the Pound under a decimalized system. The ratio was 2 ZAR to 1 GBP.

• Central bank: The South African Reserve Bank
• “Rand” refers to Witwatersrand, the ridge where Johannesburg stands that contains most of the country’s gold deposits.
• South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with abundant natural resources and well-developed infrastructure.
• South Africa is the world’s largest producer of platinum, gold, and chromium. In addition to these and other metals, it exports machinery, equipment, diamonds.
• Relatively high interest rates make ZAR a popular carry trade currency.