JOHANNESBURG, Sept 21 Reuters South Africa39;s rand strengthened in early trade on Thursday ahead of an interest rate decision by the central bank.

At 0733 GMT, the rand traded at 18.8250 against the dollar , nearly 0.3 stronger than its previous close.

At around 1300 GMT, the South African Reserve Bank SARB will announce its interest rate decision and provide clues on the trajectory of future rates.

Most analysts polled by Reuters expect the SARB to keep the main rate unchanged at 8.25.

On the stock market, the Top40 index was last down 1.8 while the broader allshare index was 1.7 weaker.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was weaker in early deals, with the yield up 3.5 basis points to 10.490.

Reporting by Bhargav Acharya Editing by Mark Potter

Source Reuters