JOHANNESBURG, July 31 Reuters The South African rand edged higher in early trade on Monday after a strong July performance, ahead of monthly trade data that could provide some clues on the health of the economy.

At 0615 GMT, the rand traded at 17.5800 against the dollar , up 0.11 from its previous close on Friday.

The dollar last traded at 101.760, around 0.15 stronger against a basket of global currencies.

The rand has gained over 6 against the dollar this month.

At 1200 GMT, the South African Revenue Service will release the country39;s June trade figures. Analysts polled by Reuters predict a trade surplus of 11.85 billion rand 673.64 million.

The South African Reserve Bank SARB data on Monday showed the country39;s broadly defined M3 measure of money supply was up 11.15, above 9.85 predicted by analysts polled by Reuters.

The SARB also said that private sector credit grew 6.25 year on year in June, down from 6.85 in May.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was little changed in early deals, with the yield down 0.5 basis points to 10.180.

1 17.5911 rand

Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Bhargav Acharya and Louise Heavens

Source Reuters