The South African rand was stable in early trade on Monday, before the release of a purchasing managers' index (PMI) survey for the local manufacturing sector and vehicle sales data.

At 0539 GMT the rand traded at 17.6350 against the dollar, a whisker away from Friday's close.

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

July’s PMI rose to 50.8 index points, returning to expansion territory for the first time since October 2024 as a result of improved business conditions in the sector for the first time in nine months.

Local investors will then turn their focus to vehicle sales data for August due around 1200 GMT, which will give a snapshot of consumer demand for big-ticket items.

Nedbank economists in a research note said that they expect annual growth in new vehicle sales to slow to 13.9% in August from 15.6% in July, a reflection of "easing financial conditions due to interest rate cuts, lower debt service costs and subdued prices."

South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was weaker in early deals, with the yield at 9.614%.