JOHANNESBURG, Nov 20 Reuters South Africa39;s rand weakened on Monday, with investors looking ahead to inflation data and the central bank39;s interest rate decision due later in the week.

At 1518 GMT, the rand traded at 18.3900 against the dollar , about 0.3 weaker than its previous close.

Local focus will be on inflation figures due on Wednesday and an interest rate decision by the South African Reserve Bank on Thursday as markets look for fresh guidance.

Investors are closely watching for the upcoming … local CPI numbers for further market direction. We also have our local interest rate decision with no change expected, said Andre Cilliers, currency strategist at TreasuryONE.

Last Friday, SP Global affirmed South Africa39;s foreign and local currency ratings, citing benefits from access to deep domestic markets, concessional funding and an activelytraded currency.

On the stock market, the Top40 index closed about 0.5 higher.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond strengthened, with the yield down 2 basis points to 10.055.

Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Emelia SitholeMatarise

Source Reuters