The South African rand was steady on Wednesday as uncertainty over U.S.-Iran talks weighed on risk appetite, while investors also assessed a business survey showing domestic factory activity declined in June.
At 1355 GMT, the rand traded at 16.3725 against the dollar FX_IDC:USDZAR, little changed from its previous close.
South Africa's manufacturing sentiment deteriorated in June as weaker demand weighed on new orders, though lower oil prices boosted confidence about future business conditions.
A sharp fall in purchasing prices, according to the PMI survey, "suggests that April and May may have marked the peak of price pressures," particularly following domestic fuel price cuts that took effect on Wednesday.
The rand has been at the mercy of global market sentiment since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February.
Data from South Africa's auto association NAAMSA showed new vehicle sales rose by 15.3% year-on-year in June, up from a 12.8% increase in May.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index TVC:SA40 was down about 0.5%.
South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond (ZAR2035=) was firmer, with the yield falling 4 basis points to 8.255%.