JOHANNESBURG, Feb 19 (Reuters) - The following scheduled economic events, company announcement, equity and currency market moves may affect South African markets on Wednesday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

South Africa's finance minister to present 2025 national budget

South Africa December retail sales data

COMPANIES

AngloGold Ashanti full-year results

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

South Africa's rand edged lower on Tuesday against a buoyant dollar, ahead of a highly anticipated national budget speech.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the blue-chip Top-40 index .JTOPI closed about 0.9% higher. .JZAR/

GLOBAL MARKETS

Global stocks were steady on Wednesday, with European and U.S. shares at record highs, as traders cautiously shrugged off U.S President Donald Trump's latest tariff threats on auto, semiconductor and pharmaceutical imports. MKTS/GLOB

WALL STREET

The S&P 500 squeaked past its previous record closing high on Tuesday at the top of a holiday-shortened week, with earnings season winding down, U.S. Federal Reserve minutes on tap, and geopolitical uncertainties churning in the background. .N

GOLD

Gold prices fell on Wednesday, as investors locked in profits following recent record highs and also await peace talks after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration agreed to conduct more discussions with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine. GOL/

EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on nTOPEMRG

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

BUSINESS DAY

- Inside Treasury’s plans to shield poor from VAT hike

- Health minister pans low-cost benefit options for medical schemes

FIN 24

- Aveng says 'painful' project blows shouldn't hobble a business separation

- Kumba to champion a full concession of ore rail line to a third party

(Compiled by Bhargav Acharya)