The South African rand slipped in early trade on Wednesday, pressured by global risk aversion tied to fading prospects of a permanent U.S.-Iran peace deal, while traders awaited a local manufacturing purchasing managers' index and vehicle sales data for June.
At 0709 GMT the rand traded at 16.44 against the dollar FX_IDC:USDZAR, about 0.4% weaker than its previous close.
An Absa PMI survey is set to be released at 0900 GMT and will shed light on manufacturing conditions in Africa's most industrialised economy.
The nation's factory sentiment eased in May as activity and demand slowed, though it remained in expansionary territory for a second consecutive month.
Investors will then turn their focus to vehicle sales (ZAVEHY=ECI) data due around 1200 GMT, which will give a snapshot of consumer demand for big-ticket items. Car sales rose 12.8% in May.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index TVC:SA40 was down 1% in early trade.
South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond (ZAR2035=) also weakened, with the yield rising 6 basis points to 8.355%.