Reuters July 31, 20239:45 AM GMT+3
JOHANNESBURG, July 31 (Reuters) – The South African rand edged higher in early trade on Monday after a strong July performance, ahead of monthly trade data that could provide some clues on the health of the economy.
At 0615 GMT, the rand traded at 17.5800 against the dollar , up 0.11% from its previous close on Friday.
The dollar last traded at 101.760, around 0.15% stronger against a basket of global currencies.
The rand has gained over 6% against the dollar this month.
At 1200 GMT, the South African Revenue Service will release the country’s June trade (ZATBAL=ECI) figures. Analysts polled by Reuters predict a trade surplus of 11.85 billion rand ($673.64 million).
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) data on Monday showed the country’s broadly defined M3 measure of money supply was up 11.15%, above 9.85% predicted by analysts polled by Reuters (ZAM3=ECI).
The SARB also said that private sector credit grew 6.25% year on year in June, down from 6.85% in May (ZACRED=ECI).
South Africa’s benchmark 2030 government bond was little changed in early deals, with the yield down 0.5 basis points to 10.180%.