South African rand weakens as traders weigh Fed decision, await local data

JOHANNESBURG, Dec 11 (Reuters) - The South African rand weakened on Thursday as traders assessed the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate decision and awaited local data releases, including formal sector employment, mining and manufacturing reports, and a business confidence index.

At 0620 GMT, the rand traded at 16.97 against the dollar ZAR=D3, roughly down 0.4% from previous session's close, while the greenback =USD was slightly stronger against a basket of currencies.

The Fed delivered a 25-basis-point rate cut in a divided vote on Wednesday but signalled that borrowing costs may not fall further as it waits for clearer signs of a cooling labour market and inflation that "remains somewhat elevated."

Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes its cues from global drivers such as U.S. policy and economic data in addition to domestic releases.

Statistics South Africa is set to publish mining output ZAMNG=ECI at 0900 GMT on Thursday, formal sector employment data at 0930 GMT and manufacturing production ZAMAN=ECI at 1100 GMT, which will all offer traders clues on the health of Africa's most industrialised economy.

For insight on private sector sentiment, the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry will release its business confidence index ZABCI=ECI at 0930 GMT.

South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond ZAR2035= firmed in early deals, as the yield fell 5 basis points to 8.465%.