The South African rand traded around 17.85 per USD, up from an over one-week low of 18 hit on May 30, boosted by rising gold prices amid increasing safe-haven demand due to renewed trade and geopolitical tensions. At the same time, the greenback is facing headwinds from shifting US trade policies and heightened economic uncertainty, which encourages investors to look toward emerging market currencies for better diversification and stability. On the domestic front, the South African Reserve Bank resumed its easing cycle with a widely expected 25 basis point rate cut on May 29 after pausing in March, aiming to support the economy amid subdued inflation. Meanwhile, economists expect a weak GDP report on June 3, likely confirming continued economic stagnation in South Africa.