South African Markets - Factors to watch on Feb 4

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 4 (Reuters) - The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect South African markets on Thursday.

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EVENTS

JOHANNESBURG - Reuters January Econometer survey. 0930 GMT



GOLD FIELDS LTD

The world's No. 4 gold producer is expected to release a trading update for its second quarter. 0600 GMT



GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian stocks fell on Thursday, with Toyota Motor hitting a 10-month low on investor concerns over its massive vehicle recall, which in turn helped rival carmakers buck the broader downward trend and post solid gains.

The U.S. dollar was on a firm footing while the New Zealand dollar dived after a sharp jump in unemployment, dragging other growth-linked currencies such as the Australian dollar along with it.



SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

Retailers led South African stocks to a second day of gains on Wednesday but the rand dipped on the back of gains for the dollar, also sending government bonds weaker.

The JSE Top-40 index of blue chips added 0.36 percent to 24,268.54 points while the broader All-share index improved 0.43 percent to 26,926.46 points.



SHOPRITE

Shoprite Holdings, Africa's biggest grocer, is selling its sole hypermarket in India to the Future Group that runs India's largest listed shopping chain, Pantaloon Retail , the Economic Times said.



GOLD

Gold prices steadied around $1,110 amid caution on Thursday as investors awaited Friday's U.S. jobs data that could further boost the dollar, which would undermine bullion's appeal as a currency hedge.

The dollar kept its firm tone on Thursday after climbing broadly the day before on improving U.S. jobs and industry data, while fears Portugal could be the next euro zone country to face a debt crisis lifted the greenback against the euro.



WALL STREET

U.S. stocks mostly fell on Wednesday as Pfizer's disappointing outlook weighed on the health sector, and President Obama's pledge to complete banking and healthcare reform revived fears of increased regulation.

President Barack Obama reiterated his commitment to overhaul the healthcare system and impose stricter regulatory reforms on Wall Street, underscoring the political risk that has driven U.S. stocks lower in recent weeks. For details, see



EMERGING MARKETS



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



BUSINESS DAY

- Transnet cautions on policy free-for-all

- Pioneer Foods fined for bid to slice up bread market

- Former Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni wraps up Nampak chairman job



BUSINESS REPORT

- Tribunal pioneers 200 million rand fine on Pioneer Foods

- House prices increasing, but analysts are split on outlook

- Credit growth expected to surge



THE STAR

- South African President Jacob Zuma defends himself, acknowledges he is father of four-month girl

- Basic education in crisis

- Pioneer slapped with 195 million rand bread fine

(Reporting by Serena Chaudhry) (For more Africa cover visit: http://af.reuters.com -- To comment on this story email: [e-mail]) Keywords: MARKETS SAFRICA FACTORS/ ([e-mail]; [phone]; Reuters Messaging: [e-mail]) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.