JOHANNESBURG, Dec 11 Reuters South Africa39;s rand weakened early on Wednesday ahead of domestic and U.S. inflation readings which could give clues on the future interest rate path of both countries.

At 0711 GMT, the rand traded at 17.85 against the U.S. dollar , about 0.2 softer than its previous close.

Markets will look to November consumer inflation data out of the world39;s biggest economy on Wednesday to challenge or cement bets of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week. Markets expect a 25basispoint cut on Dec. 18.

Likewise, South Africafocussed investors will at 0800 GMT look to the November inflation print for hints on the policy path of its central bank when it meets in January.

Economists polled by Reuters expect South Africa39;s inflation to accelerate to 3.1 year on year in November, up from 2.8 recorded in October.

At 1100 GMT, focus will be on South Africa39;s October retail sales figures.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the bluechip Top40 index was down about 0.5 in early trade.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was flat in early deals, with the yield at 8.97.

Reporting by Tannur Anders

Source Reuters