JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's rand reversed earlier gains and slipped against the dollar on Monday as the US currency hit a two-month high against the yen, boosted by robust economic data.
At 1430 GMT, the rand was 0.17 percent weaker against the dollar, fetching 13.4150. The US dollar has been extending broad gains made after much stronger than expected June employment data was published on Friday.
"US jobs data were a mixed bag, but did not halt the greenback's advance against a basket of currencies," NKC African Economics said in a note.
In fixed income, the yield for the benchmark government bond due in 2026 dipped five basis points to 8.875 percent. Stocks followed global shares higher, lifted by the US jobs data and data on Monday which showed German exports rose more than expected in May.
The benchmark Top-40 index rose 0.67 percent to 45,976, while the wider All-share index ended 0.55 percent higher at 52,187.
Among movers, MTN Group added 0.5 percent to 116.30 rand after its main competitor in Nigeria, Etisalat, said it would pull out of the South African company's most lucrative market.
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