SA ESCAPES THIRD JUNK RATING AS MOODY'S LIFTS OUTLOOK

Cape town - South Africa escaped a third junk as Moody's Investors Service kept it's assessment of the nation's debt unchanged, citing more transparent and predictable policies under President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Nation's outlook was revised to stable from negative on Friday night by Moody's Ratings Agency. The move will most likely bolster the rand which has been on its best since Ramaphosa took over as President last month.

Moody's maintained the nation's local and foreign currency assessment at Baa3, the lowest investment grade level. The affirmation keeps South Africa on the same level as that of countries like Indonesia and Romania.