South African rand firms as traders assess raft of local economic data

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The South African rand firmed on Wednesday as investors digested month-end domestic economic data that offered clues on the health of the economy.

• At 1432 GMT, the rand traded at 16.3250 against the US dollar , about 0.5% stronger than its previous close.

• Data from the South African Reserve Bank showed M3 money supply growth accelerated to 8.89% in August from 8.57% in July. Private sector credit growth rose to 7.47% from 7.41%, exceeding the 6.90% forecast in a Reuters poll.

• Traders also assessed August budget balance ZABUDM=ECI, producer inflation ZAPPIY=ECI and trade balance ZATBAL=ECI figures released by the National Treasury, Statistics South Africa and the South African Revenue Service, respectively.

• Growth in producer prices slowed in August, while the trade surplus was wider than analysts had expected in a Reuters poll.

• On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index .JTOPI was up about 0.2%.

• South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond strengthened, as the yield fell 10.5 basis points to 8.73%.