South Africa's rand was listless against a steady dollar on Friday, as investors assessed the prospects that the U.S. Federal Reserve might pause its rate-hike trajectory.

At 0620 GMT, the rand traded at 18.0825 against the dollar, near its previous close of 18.0850.

The dollar index, which measures the safe-haven currency against six rivals, held ground at 102.53.

The U.S. Fed on Wednesday delivered an expected interest rate hike of 25 basis points, but took a cautious stance on economic outlook due to the recent banking sector turmoil.

Local investors will shift their focus towards the central bank's rate decision due next week, with markets expecting a 25-basis-point hike.

The government's benchmark 2030 bond was unchanged in early deals, with the yield at 9.950%.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)