The South Africa exchange traded fund climbed Monday as investors bet the a more friendly Democrat Hillary Clinton would win over a protectionist Republican Donald Trump on election day.
The iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (NYSEArca: EZA) advanced 6.0% Monday, testing its short-term simple moving average.
Christopher Gilmour, an investment analyst at Absa Wealth and Investment Management, argued that Clinton was less likely to sour trade relations between South African and the U.S., reports Wiseman Khuzwayo for IOL.
“If Clinton wins the election, I think it would be very much business as usual,” Gilmour told IOL.
[related_stories]Clinton has also shown a history of favorable relations with South Africa. Gilmour pointed out that as secretary of state during the first Obama administration, Clinton showed enthusiasm towards the African Growth and Opportunity Act that pushed for the agreement’s 10-yaer extension last year.
“Clinton would probably be more inclined to maintain the good relations South Africa has with the US,” Gilmour added.
On the other hand, the Republicans and especially the unknown Trump’s stance on South Africa relations are less clear.
“Republicans haven’t been particularly disposed to South Africa and Africa. The US might be more inclined to take a harder stance under a Republican administration,” Gilmour said.
South African equities strengthened Monday after markets ended the week prior at an eight month-low, following three days of loses.
“Guys are a bit nervous by just how much Trump is going to shake up the regulations if he wins. This is why every time he seems to be in the lead the markets tend to wobble,” BP Bernstein trader Vasili Tirasis told Reuters.
The emerging market, though, rebounded after FBI Director James Comey said the agency maintained a July conclusion that it wouldn’t push forward with criminal charges against Clinton over e-mails from an unauthorized server.
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iShares MSCI South Africa ETF