The rand at its lowest
#RandReport: SA stocks at 3-month high on commodities rally, rand weakens
The rand had fallen 0.6 percent to 15.6550 per dollar reversing a rally that sent the currency over 3% higher.
Bonds were firmer tracking the currency, with the benchmark 2026 paper ending the session at 9.605%.
Growing concerns about global oversupply drove US crude prices to their lowest since 2003.
The Finance Minister says it is possible through better cooperation between the state & private sector.
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The rand briefly touched a session high of 16.3575 to the greenback & was 1.74 percent firmer at 16.3800.
Stocks climbed for the second day, driven by financial and healthcare shares after heavy losses last week.
Statistics South Africa says manufacturing output in November was down by 1 percent year on year.
Experts say the Reserve Bank is in a difficult position and may have to increase interest rates soon.
The rand fell more than 9 percent to 17.9950 against the dollar, by far its weakest level on record.
The rand slumped to a level of R17.99 against the US dollar overnight.
The rand slipped 0,52 percent to 15,2600 per dollar, sliding back to its weakest in more than a week.
The rand weakened 0.49 percent to 15,1700 per dollar compared to 15,1030, where it closed overnight.
Economists say the local currency is battling because of a lack of adequate leadership.
The US Looks set to raise interest rates next week which will also affect the rand.
The announcement that Nene had been fired as finance minster sent shock waves through the markets.
The rand was a touch firmer than against a wobbly dollar, on track for a third consecutive daily gain.
The monetary policy committee will hold its fifth of six rate setting meetings for 2015 later this month.
On Monday the rand reached its lowest level ever against the dollar of 14.01.