South African rand firms ahead of manufacturing PMI

JOHANNESBURG, March 3 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand firmed early on Monday, ahead of a purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey for the domestic manufacturing sector.

At 0725 GMT, the rand traded at 18.66 against the U.S. dollar ZAR=D3, about 0.3% stronger than its previous close.

The Absa PMI for February is set to be released at 0900 GMT and will shed light on manufacturing conditions in Africa's most industrialised economy.

The dollar =USD was little changed against a basket of currencies as investors processed U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies, the delay in finding peace in Ukraine and the prospect of a weaker U.S. economy.

Analysts said the rand will continue to take its direction from the broader movements of the dollar for the time being.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the blue-chip Top-40 .JTOPI index last traded up about 0.9%.

South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond ZAR2030= was weaker in early deals, with the yield up 3 basis points to 9.175%.