The rand had gained a little ground by midday trade on Thursday, as it followed the euro and waited for US GDP figures out later.

At 11.45am the rand was bid at 7.8008 to the dollar from 7.8385 at its previous close.

Against the euro, it was bid at 11.5064 from its previous close of 11.5332.

It was bid at 12.8290 against sterling from 12.8418 before.

At 11.46am gold was quoted at $1033.07 an ounce.