JOHANNESBURG, July 12 Reuters The South African rand was stronger in early trade on Wednesday against a weaker dollar, ahead of highly anticipated U.S. inflation data that could give hints as to the Federal Reserve39;s future interest rate path.

At 0613 GMT, the rand traded at 18.4650 against the dollar , around 0.2 stronger than its previous close.

The dollar last traded around 0.2 weaker against a basket of global currencies.

U.S. Consumer Price Index CPI data will be released at 1230 GMT, and analysts polled by Reuters predict inflation of 3.1 year on year for June, down from 4.0 in May.

The Fed39;s actions have put the brakes on rising prices, which will likely constrain the Fed from lifting rates much further, said ETM Analytics in a research note.

The risksensitive rand often takes its cues from global factors in the absence of local economic data points.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was firmer in early deals, with the yield down 2.5 basis points to 10.700.

Reporting by Tannur Anders Editing by Alexander Winning

Source Reuters