South African rand stable before manufacturing PMI and car sales figures
At 0557 GMT the rand traded at 17.69 against the dollar , a whisker away from Monday's close.
The Absa PMI for June is set to be released at 0900 GMT and will shed light on manufacturing conditions in Africa's most industrialised economy.
Investec economist Lara Hodes said in a research note that she expects the manufacturing index to have remained in contractionary territory in June.
This would be a reflection of "a lacklustre domestic economy which continues to face a number of structural challenges, while globally manufacturing conditions remain subdued weighing on export potential," she added.
Local investors will then turn their focus to vehicle sales (ZAVEHY=ECI), opens new tab data for the same month due around 1200 GMT, giving a snapshot of consumer demand for big-ticket items.
Nedbank economists forecast an annual growth in car sales, mainly reflecting last year's low base and easing financial conditions due to interest rate cuts, lower debt service costs and subdued prices.
The dollar last traded flat against a basket of currencies as uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies ahead of the July 9 deadline heightened.
Tariff rates ranging from 10% to 50%, announced on April 2, are scheduled to take effect next week following a 90-day pause implemented by Trump, unless bilateral trade deals are reached.
South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was slightly stronger in early deals, as the yield fell 3 basis points to 9.935%.
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