S.Africa's rand steady after dismal 2011

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand held steady against the dollar in early trade on Friday but was set to end 2011 as one of the worst-performing currencies of the year, suffering a whiplash reaction from investors spooked by Europe's debt crisis. The rand was at 8.17 to the dollar at 0640 GMT, not far off its 8.1816 close in New York on Thursday. The currency opened 2011 at 6.57 against the dollar, but has since lost nearly 19 percent in value and stands neck and neck with Turkey's lira as the poorest emerging market performer. ...