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South African rand gains on investor optimism over US trade negotiations - REUTERS
JOHANNESBURG, July 3 (Reuters) - The South African rand gained on Thursday on optimism among global investors about trade negotiations with the U.S. after the country signed a trade deal with Vietnam, fuelling hopes of more such deals ahead of a July 9 deadline set by Washington.
At 1556 GMT the rand traded at 17.4950 against the U.S. dollar , up roughly 0.5% on Wednesday's close and at its best level so far this year.
The dollar last traded about 0.4% firmer against a basket of currencies after the world's largest economy reported stronger-than-expected jobs data and as investors awaited more news on trade negotiations.