JOHANNESBURG, Jan 10 (Reuters) - The South African rand was weaker early on Friday as markets awaited U.S. non-farm payrolls data that could provide clues on the Federal Reserve's future interest rate path.
At 0716 GMT the rand traded at 18.9650 against the U.S. dollar , about 0.2% softer than its previous close.
"The rand and many other currencies remain on the defensive compared to the dollar. Much focus will turn to the outcome of today's non-farm payroll data," ETM Analytics said in a research note.
Investors have been digesting U.S. labour market data this week, which points to continued resilience, while Fed speakers have taken a more conservative stance in their signalling.
Like other risk-sensitive currencies, the rand often takes cues from global drivers such as U.S. economic data in the absence of major local factors.
On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the blue chip Top-40 index was down about 0.3%.
South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond was also weaker in early deals, with the yield up 2.5 basis points at 9.17%.
Reporting by Tannur Anders Editing by David Goodman
Source: Reuters