(Updates prices to reflect afternoon trade)
JOHANNESBURG, April 28 (Reuters) - The South African
rand was little changed against the dollar on Friday, as local
budget and trade data failed to offer much relief to investors
in Africa's most industrialised economy.
At 1527 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2875 against the
dollar, near its previous close of 18.2975.
The dollar was last up about 0.05% against a basket of
currencies .
The March budget balance came in at a deficit
of 46.15 billion rand while trade data showed a
surplus of 6.89 billion rand.
Analysts polled by Reuters predicted 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.
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.
Shares on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange rose marginally,
with the broader all-share index closing up 0.12% and
the blue-chip Top-40 index ending 0.07% higher.
The government's benchmark 2030 bond was
stronger, with the yield down 2.5 basis points to 10.180%.
(Reporting by Tannur Anders and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by
Anait Miridzhanian, Sonia Cheema and Jonathan Oatis)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.