JOHANNESBURG, April 28 (Reuters) - The South African
rand weakened against a stronger dollar early on Friday, ahead
of the release of budget and trade data that could indicate the
health of Africa's most industrialised economy.
At 0646 GMT, the rand traded at 18.3600 against the
dollar, around 0.3% weaker than its previous close.
The dollar was last up about 0.2% against a basket of
currencies .
March budget balance and trade data will be published around 1200 GMT.
Analysts polled by Reuters predict a budget deficit of 30
billion rand and a trade surplus of 25 billion rand.
The country is being crippled by the worst rolling blackouts
on record, contributing to bleak growth prospects.
"The data scheduled for release today will not offer much
relief... South Africa tends to produce healthy surpluses when
the economy is on its knees, and demand for imports from
consumption and investment softens," said ETM Analytics in a
research note.
South Africa marked "Freedom Day" on Thursday and with
Monday another public holiday, many local traders will be away
from their desks until next Tuesday.
The government's benchmark 2030 bond was weaker
in early deals, with the yield up 1.5 basis points to 10.220%.
(Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Anait Miridzhanian and
Sonia Cheema)
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