JOHANNESBURG: The South African rand was steady in early trade on Monday as investors awaited a series of domestic economic data releases and the Federal Reserve’s policy decision later this week.
At 0602 GMT, the rand traded at 16.6125 against the dollar , little changed from its previous close.
Investors will track a series of month-end domestic economic data releases, including money supply, private sector credit, trade balance and budget balance, as well as September producer inflation data.
Markets also await the Fed’s policy meeting on October 28.
Traders largely expect the central bank to leave rates unchanged this week, while expectations for a hike in December are at 75%, according to CME’s FedWatch Tool.
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes its cues from global factors, particularly US monetary policy, alongside domestic economic data.
South Africa’s benchmark 2035 government bond was steady in early deals, with the yield at 8.635%.