At 09h02 CAT, the Rand traded at 17.92 against the Dollar, little changed from Wednesday's closing level. Statistics SA will publish April domestic producer inflation figures at 11h30 CAT, and Nedbank economists said in a research note that they expect it to have remained steady at 0.5%.

Investor attention will be pinned on an interest rate decision by the central bank expected around 15h00 CAT.

The majority of economists polled by Reuters expect the bank to trim its main lending rate by 25 basis points, though a significant minority think the rate could be left unchanged.

Inflation is currently below the central bank's target range, though policymakers have stressed risks from US President Donald Trump's trade war and domestic politics.

"The upside risks to the outlook have subsided since the March meeting," the Nedbank note said.

SA's benchmark 2030 government bond was also little changed in early deals, with the yield at 8.78%.

--Reuters--