At 0700 GMT the rand traded at 18.8800 against the United States dollar , little changed from the previous close.

The rand had strengthened on Wednesday after consumer inflation fell for a second consecutive month to 5.1% year on year in December, but analysts said it was unlikely to affect interest rates yet.

South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has previously said he wants inflation to decline sustainably to about 4.5% before considering rate cuts.

Producer price inflation, opens new tab for December will be released at 0930 GMT and is expected to show a decline from 4.6% year on year in November.

The SARB will announce its rate decision around 1300 GMT. All 20 economists polled by Reuters forecast that the rate will be left unchanged at 8.25%.

SA's benchmark 2030 government bond ws flat in early deals, with the yield at 9.750%.

--Reuters--