The rand was weaker in midday trade on Thursday‚ shrugging off a weaker dollar as the market awaited a possible September "lift-off" hike in US interest rates.
After strengthening by about 20c since Wednesday morning‚ the local currency was about 10c weaker from its overnight close.
At 11.30am‚ the rand was at R13.3704 to the dollar from a close of R13.2662.
Against the euro the rand was at R15.1401 from R14.9799 previously and was at R20.7455 against the pound from a previous close of R20.5573.
The euro was at $1.1323 from $1.1292.
Standard Bank trader Warrick Butler said the rand was trading without any real bias and needed to break through R13.20 to the dollar for the stronger momentum to continue.
"Then it could extend all the way to R12.85/$‚" he said.
At present‚ the rand is struggling to break through R13.26 to the dollar ahead of the expected rate decision by the US Fed on Thursday evening.
Mr Butler said a lot would depend on the rate decision. "If the Fed surprises the market and hikes‚ then all the week’s hard work will be undone in the blink of an eye."
