JOHANNESBURG, April 30 (Reuters) - The South African rand strengthened on Thursday as markets assessed a batch of monthly domestic data for clues to the health of Africa's most industrialised economy.
o At 1425 GMT, the rand traded at 16.7250 against the dollar, up about 0.6% from its previous close.
o The dollar slid after Japanese officials signalled possible intervention to support the yen, while oil prices jumped briefly above $126 a barrel on fears the U.S.-Iran war could worsen and further disrupt Middle East supplies, before retreating.
o South Africa's producer inflation quickened to 2.3% year on year in March, data from the statistics agency showed on Thursday.
o The country recorded a trade surplus of 31.87 billion rand in March, while National Treasury data showed a budget deficit of 45.61 billion rand for the month.
o South Africa is a net importer of energy, leaving it highly exposed to swings in global oil prices.
o On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the Top-40 index .JTOPI was up 1.5%.
o South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was firmer, as the yield fell 5.5 basis points to 8.805%.
(Reporting by Anathi Madubela and Nilutpal Timsina; Editing by Sumana Nandy and Alison Williams)
