South African bonds were marginally firmer on Wednesday afternoon after consumer inflation for November came in marginally lower than expected.Headline consumer inflation slowed to an annual 4.6%, from 4.8% in October, while the market had expected 4.7%.Further gains were capped by risk factors. These included the ANC elective conference, which begins this weekend, as well as the US Federal Reserve monetary policy decision, expected at 9pm local time on Wednesday.The Fed is widely expected to announce a rise of 25 basis points. Its decision will be key, said TreasuryOne currency dealer Gerard van der Westhuizen. "Not only will the possible rate hike be important, but the statement after the decision could show the Fed’s outlook for 2018 and a hawkish tone will likely support the dollar further."At 3.01pm the benchmark R186 government bond was bid at 9.23% from 9.26%, and the R207 at 8.06% from 8.105%.US 10-year treasuries were bid at 2.4175% from 2.4067%.The rand was at R13.6283 fro...
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