South African rand falls after US inflation data

Updates prices to reflect afternoon trade

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 12 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand slipped on Wednesday, after data showed U.S. consumer prices rose more than expected last month, raising the prospect of the Federal Reserve holding interest rates higher for longer.

At 1520 GMT, the rand traded at 18.55 against the U.S. dollar ZAR=D3, more than 0.2% lower than its previous close.

The dollar index =USD was last up about 0.4% against a basket of currencies.

The U.S. consumer price index jumped 0.5% in January after gaining 0.4% in December, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) said on Wednesday.

Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as U.S. monetary policy in the absence of major local drivers.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell told the U.S. Congress on Tuesday that the central bank was not in a hurry to cut interest rates and a reduction would be considered only if inflation eased or the job market weakened.

On the stock market, the Top-40 .JTOPI index hit a fresh high and closed up about 0.5%.

South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond ZAR2030= was weaker, with the yield up 5.5 basis points at 9.205%.