23/03/2020: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact
The rand experienced significant volatility and depreciation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the country's economy and trade balance.
15/12/2008: Global Financial Crisis Impact
The rand plunged against major currencies due to the global financial crisis and concerns about South Africa's economic stability.
18/05/2005: Removal of Ten Hong Kong Dollars Note
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority announced the removal of the HKD 10 paper note from circulation, encouraging the usage of electronic payment methods and reducing printing costs.
09/11/2001: Rand Weakens to Record Low
The rand weakened to an all-time low against the US dollar, due to global economic uncertainty and domestic political concerns.
01/07/1997: Hong Kong's Handover to China
Hong Kong was officially handed over to China, marking the end of British colonial rule but maintaining the Hong Kong Dollar as its currency under the 'one country, two systems' principle.
01/01/1995: Establishment of Reserve Bank Independence
The South African Reserve Bank gained independence, allowing it to have more control over monetary policy.
27/04/1994: First Democratic Elections
The first democratic elections were held in South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and bringing political stability, positively affecting the rand's value.
17/10/1991: Linked Exchange Rate System
The Linked Exchange Rate System (LERS) was implemented, establishing a narrow trading range of HKD 7.75 to 7.85 against the U.S. Dollar, backed by stringent measures to maintain stability.
31/12/1983: Joint Declaration on the Future of Hong Kong
The Sino-British Joint Declaration was signed, affirming Hong Kong's return to China in 1997 and ensuring the continuity of the Hong Kong Dollar as its official currency.
01/08/1982: Currency Decimalization
The rand was decimalized, with 1 rand being equal to 100 cents.
22/05/1972: Pegging to the U.S. Dollar
As the British Pound faced pressures in the foreign exchange market, Hong Kong decided to switch the peg to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of HKD 5.65 to USD 1.
14/09/1961: Introduction of the Rand
The South African rand was introduced as the official currency, replacing the South African pound.
12/09/1935: Pegging to the Sterling
The Hong Kong Dollar was pegged to the British Pound (Sterling) at a fixed exchange rate of HKD 16 to GBP 1, which helped stabilize the currency.
01/01/1863: Introduction of the Hong Kong Dollar
The Hong Kong Dollar was first introduced as an official currency by the British colonial government to facilitate trade and commerce in Hong Kong.