South African rand slips ahead of inflation data

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand slipped in early trade against the dollar on Wednesday ahead of domestic inflation data that could provide clues to the health of the economy.

By 0718 GMT, the rand was trading at 19.0250 against the dollar, or about 0.5% weaker than its previous close.

Eyes will be on Statistics South Africa at 0800 GMT, when it releases inflation figures for November. Analysts polled by Reuters predict headline inflation of 5.6% in November on the year.

The focus of global markets later in the day will turn to an interest rate decision by the U.S. Federal Reserve and its policy outlook.

On the stock market, the benchmark Top-40 index was little changed in early trade.

South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond was marginally weaker in early deals, with the yield up 1.5 basis points at 10.095%.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)