Johannesburg - South Africa's rand weakened on Friday as flagging consumer confidence added to mounting economic concerns, while US payrolls later in the session could provide fresh direction.
South Africa's consumer confidence slipped by 5 points to -1 in the third quarter of 2014, a survey showed, adding to a trade deficit that rose sharply in the third quarter and risks of further labour disruptions.
At 08:14 SA time the rand had slipped 0.17 percent to 11.2050 per dollar, failing to take advantage of hitting its firmest level in four days in the previous session.
Government bonds were flat in morning trade, with the yield on the paper maturing in 2026 remaining at 8.275 percent in morning trade.
While the dollar index pulled back from four-year highs hit at the end of September, spurring a relief rally in emerging market currencies.
US non-farm payrolls for September are expected to jump to 215,000 from August levels, according to a Reuters poll.
Domestically, markets will also be watching the release of HSBC's purchasing manager's index which is out at 09:15 SA time. - Reuters