South African Markets - Factors to watch on Feb 5

(Adds MPC meeting, Altron)

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 5 (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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GLOBAL MARKETS

Asian shares fell on Thursday reversing two previous sessions of gains on fears about how far U.S. consumers will cut spending, while the euro steadied and sterling dipped ahead of meetings by their respective central banks.

Glum profit forecasts on Wednesday from U.S. food makers and warehouse club Costco (COST.O) added to the uncertainty about reduced consumer spending in a key market for Asian exporters.

For story double click on [ID:nSP215060].

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

South African stocks rallied on Wednesday, boosted by stronger world markets and higher precious metal prices, while the rand held firm despite dollar strength and troubles in other emerging markets.

The Johannesburg Top-40 index of blue-chip stocks .JTOPI closed 3.57 percent higher at 18,615.35 points, its biggest daily percentage gain in nearly two months. The broader All-share index rose 3.12 percent to 20,639.07 points.

For Wednesday's South African financial markets closing report, double click on [ID:nL4180247]

S.AFRICAN ECONOMY

South Africa's central bank is likely to cut interest rates when it ends a two-day meeting on Thursday, with most analysts predicting an aggressive 100 basis point move as inflation slows and worries about growth rise.

Sixteen of 27 economists polled by Reuters last week forecast the Reserve Bank would accelerate its monetary loosening cycle after December's 50 basis point cut. But the call remains relatively close, with 11 anticipating another half percentage point move in the repo rate to 11 percent.