Johannesburg - The rand was steady against the dollar early on Tuesday, remaining in a narrow range ahead of November trade data due later in the session.
Broad US dollar strength and waning investor risk appetite continued to pose obstacles for the local currency, which had softened 0.02% to R11.6305 per greenback by 08:55.
With market activity thin, the rand is not expected to test a recent support level around the 11.7000 mark ahead of the trade numbers at 14:00.
South Africa recorded a R21bn trade deficit for October, but economists polled by Reuters predict the November figure will narrow to a shortfall of only R7bn.
In fixed income, local bonds were flat, with the yield on the benchmark government issue due in 2026 unmoved at 8.035%.