Like most emerging market currencies, the Rand often takes cues from US economic data in addition to local factors.

At 8H01 CAT, the Rand traded at 17.98 against the Dollar, about 0.2% stronger than its previous close.

Data this Thursday showed that US consumer prices unexpectedly fell, and the annual increase was the smallest in a year. "This is important for the Rand as monetary easing in the developed world will effectively inject fresh liquidity into global markets," said Danny Greeff, Co-Head of Africa at ETM Analytics, this Thursday.

"Improved risk appetite is thus anticipated into the end of the year," Greeff added.

US inflation has been improving in recent months, and earlier this week Fed Chair Jerome Powell said that "more good data would strengthen" the case for central bank interest rate cuts.

SA's benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly weaker in early deals, with the yield up 1.5 basis points at 9.58%.

--Reuters--