Selected monthly data released by the South African Reserve Bank today, 30 January 2004, show that the positive net open foreign currency position (NOFP) of the Bank has increased by US$1 005 million from US$3 769 million at the end of November 2003 to US$4 774 million at the end of December 2003. The net increase in the positive NOFP was mainly attributable to foreign currency purchases from the market as part of the normal prudent management of the Reserve Bank’s balance sheet.​