JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – It weakened early on Monday ahead of the purchasing managers’ index (PMI) survey for the country’s manufacturing sector.

At 0620 GMT, the rand was trading at 18.15 per dollar, 0.64% weaker than the previous close.

The Absa PMI index for November will be released at 0900 GMT and will shed delicate on production conditions in Africa’s most industrialized economy.

Local investors will also pay attention to last month’s vehicle sales data later in the day.

South Africa’s benchmark 2030 government bond fell in early trading, with the yield rising 4.5 basis points to 8.96%.