JOHANNESBURG, Aug 15 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand firmed against a weaker dollar on Friday, helped by higher gold prices as concerns over the United States' fiscal health sent investors into the safe-haven asset.
At 1434 GMT, the rand traded at 17.58 against the dollar , about 0.2% stronger than its previous close.
Gold prices rose on Friday, boosted by a decline in the dollar , which was last trading down about 0.4% against a basket of currencies.
Like other major producers of precious metals, South Africa often benefits from higher gold prices.
Investors will be closely watching domestic inflation figures, due on Wednesday next week, for clues about the health of Africa's most industrialised economy.
"It has been an impressive week for the ZAR so far, as it started the week above 17.70 and could make it 10 cents stronger at the close of trade today," said ETM Analytics in a research note.
On the stock market, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's Top-40 index closed down 0.1%.
South Africa's benchmark 2035 government bond was flat, with the yield down half a basis point to 9.6%.
Reporting by Sfundo Parakozov and Anathi Madubela Editing by Mark Potter and Clelia Oziel
Source: Reuters