South African rand weakens ahead of data-filled week

Updates prices to reflect afternoon trade

JOHANNESBURG, Jan 27 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand slipped on Monday ahead of a week packed with domestic and international data releases, with eyes set on interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB).

At 1424 GMT, the rand traded at 18.72 against the dollar ZAR=D3, about 1.7% weaker than its previous close.

The dollar =USD last traded about 0.5% weaker against a basket of currencies as traders pondered the ramifications of new U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff plans.

Global investor focus will be on the Fed this week, which will conclude its two-day meeting on Wednesday. It is widely expected to hold interest rates steady.

Domestic investors will then shift their attention towards the SARB's first interest rate decision for 2025 on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters forecast a 25 basis point cut to 7.50%.

"Despite soft inflation, uncertainties around fiscal policy, Eskom tariff hikes, Trump's global economic stance could push the SARB to adopt a cautious approach," said Andre Cilliers, currency strategist at TreasuryONE.

On the stock market, the Top-40 .JTOPI index was little changed.

South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond ZAR2030= was weaker, with the yield up 14 basis points to 9.145%.