JOHANNESBURG, Oct 25 Reuters South Africa39;s rand firmed on Friday while local investors geared up for the country39;s midterm budget next week.

At 1510 GMT, the rand traded at 17.64 against the dollar , about 0.1 stronger than its previous close.

The dollar last traded about 0.02 softer against a basket of currencies.

With little domestic data on the radar, the risksensitive rand tracked movements in the greenback on Friday.

Later on Friday, South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago will give a talk on monetary policy after the COVID pandemic at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank39;s 2024 annual meeting.

Next week, investors will look to South Africa39;s Medium Term Budget Policy Statement for clues on the fiscal outlook of Africa39;s most industrialised economy. The statement could provide insight into the country39;s budget deficit.

A Reuters poll found that the National Treasury will trim its 202425 budget deficit estimate as it aims to lower interest payments on debt.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the bluechip Top40 index closed about 0.1 higher.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond gained as the yield slipped 9 basis points to 9.275.

Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Alison Williams and Maju Samuel

Source Reuters