At 14:49 CAT, the Rand traded at 18.7550 against the US Dollar, about 1% firmer than its previous close.

The Dollar last traded about 0.45% weaker against a basket of currencies.

The US consumer price index rose 0.4% last month while economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI gaining 0.3%. In the 12 months through December, the CPI advanced 2.9%, in line with expectations.

As markets remain wary of incoming US President Donald Trump's policies on tariffs, the latest data points to still elevated inflation, strengthening the case for the Federal Reserve's cautious stance on interest rates.
"Volatility is expected to persist,  with the Rand's value largely influenced by external factors such as US trade and monetary policies," said Zain Vawda, Market Analyst at MarketPulse by OANDA.

--Reuters--