The South African rand held steady against a weak dollar in early trade on Wednesday as investors avoided taking large positions ahead of domestic economic data that could offer further clues on the health of Africa's largest economy. At 0658 GMT the rand traded at 15.9975 against the dollar, little changed from its previous close.

The rand is holding below R16 despite surging oil prices, as competing interest rate expectations pull the currency in different directions.

A stronger rand may make headlines, but lasting currency stability—and the benefits it brings to ordinary South Africans—depends on whether the country can sustain the economic…