JOHANNESBURG, May 4 (Reuters) - The South African rand
firmed in early trade on Thursday, as the U.S. dollar fell
against most major currencies following comments from the
Federal Reserve that suggested it may stop hiking rates.
At 0625 GMT, the rand traded at 18.2500 against the dollar , about 0.2% stronger than its previous close.
The dollar was down about 0.15% against six rivals .
The Fed on Wednesday raised its benchmark interest rate by
25 basis points, as expected, but also watered down the language
in its policy statement about the need for further rate hikes.
Local investors will be looking to South Africa's S&P Global
purchasing managers' index survey due on Thursday to gauge the
health of the economy.
South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond was
stronger in early deals, with the yield down 5.5 basis points at
10.070%.
(Reporting by Nellie Peyton
Editing by Alexander Winning)
