JOHANNESBURG, May 24 (Reuters) - The following scheduled

economic event, equity and currency market moves may affect

South African markets on Friday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

South Africa's government to hold its weekly auction of

inflation-linked bonds.

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

The South African rand weakened on Thursday, after Federal

Reserve meeting minutes released on Wednesday hinted that

interest rates will remain higher for longer in the world's

biggest economy.

On the stock market, the Top-40 index closed down

about 0.7%.

GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks fell on Friday as strong U.S. economic data

bolstered the prospect of interest rates staying higher for

longer and the Federal Reserve taking its time in cutting rates,

keeping investors away from risky assets.

WALL STREET

U.S. stocks ended lower on Thursday, even as a strong

revenue forecast for Nvidia ( NVDA ) fuelled a surge in its shares, but

that was overshadowed by economic data showing inflation was

still a concern that could delay any Federal Reserve rate

cuts.

GOLD

Gold prices hit a two-week low on Friday, set for their

biggest weekly loss in over five months, as interest rate cut

expectations started to dwindle after a hawkish tone in the U.S.

Federal Reserve minutes.

EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on

- - - -

Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

BUSINESS DAY

- Premature to write off multiparty charter, says DA

- ANC commits to basic income grant within two years of its

new government.

(Compiled by Tannur Anders)