The rand was little changed in early trade on Thursday, ahead of a flurry of domestic economic data expected later in the day.

At 0620 GMT, the rand traded at R18.94 to the dollar.

The benchmark 2030 government bond was flat.

Thursday’s data releases include the February Producer Price Index, February budget balance and February trade statistics.

The country’s central bank will also publish its quarterly bulletin, shedding light on foreign direct investment flows in the final three months of last year.

Early on Thursday, central bank data showed private sector credit extension picked up slightly in February, to 3.32% in year-on-year terms.