JOHANNESBURG, Nov 1 Reuters South Africa39;s rand was weaker in early trade on Friday ahead of a purchasing managers39; index PMI for the domestic manufacturing sector, while global investors geared up for U.S. jobs data for hints on the Federal Reserve39;s interest rate path.

At 0823 GMT, the rand traded at 17.65 against the U.S. dollar , about 0.3 softer than its previous close.

The dollar last traded about 0.2 firmer than its previous close.

The rand is waiting for the U.S. nonfarm payroll data expected later on Friday, the final major risk event of the week, which has the potential to influence Fed policy, said ETM Analytics in a research note.

The Fed will announce its latest interest rate decision next week.

Like other risksensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as U.S. monetary policy in addition to local factors.

The Absa PMI for October is set to be released at 0900 GMT and should shed light on conditions in South Africa39;s manufacturing sector.

On the stock market, the bluechip Top40 index was last up about 0.9.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was slightly weaker in early deals, with the yield up 1 basis points to 9.325.

Reporting by Tannur Anders; Editing by Sharon Singleton

Source Reuters