South Africa's rand weakened against the dollar on Wednesday in what could be a negative trend for the currency going into 2015 after stronger-than-expected economic growth in the United States buoyed an already bullish dollar. The world's number one economy grew at 5 percent in the third quarter, its quickest pace in 11 years, pushing the dollar index to eight-year highs while struggling emerging market currencies braced for additional sell-offs.
Yields on local bonds were flat in early trade, with the benchmark issue due in 2026 unmoved at 8.055 percent. Next Tuesday South Africa publishes November trade data, currently gaping at a 21 billion rand deficit due to falling exports and productivity.