The South African rand was subdued in early trade on Wednesday, tracking other emerging market currencies as investors awaited the US Federal Reserve's policy decision and comments from Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh for clues on inflation and interest rate outlooks. At 0723 GMT the rand traded at 16.7050 against the dollar, a whisker away from Tuesday's close.

The South African Reserve Bank held rates at 7% but struck a dovish tone, and the rand slid toward 17 per dollar as a hawkish US Federal Reserve loomed.

The rand has recovered from last week's sharp slide, but economists warn global tensions, oil prices and inflation still threaten consumers and interest rates.