Trending 
The South African rand was a bit softer in early trading on Monday as investors considered the latest tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
By 0627 GMT, the rand was trading at 17.96 against the dollar, a slight dip of about 0.1% from its closing position on Friday.
On Saturday, Trump had threatened to impose a 30% tariff on imports from two major U.S. trading partners—the European Union and Mexico—starting August 1. South Africa also faces the possibility of a 30% trade tariff on its exports to the United States, plus an additional 10% levy due to its membership in the BRICS group of developing nations.
Looking ahead, South Africa’s statistics agency plans to release mining output figures on Tuesday and retail sales data on Wednesday. These reports should offer insights into the economic health of Africa’s most industrialised nation. In early deals, the country’s benchmark 2035 government bond was also weaker, with its yield rising three basis points to 9.905%
