South African rand gains ground against softer dollar

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 11 (Reuters) - The South African randfirmed against the dollar on Thursday after the greenback wasjolted by the worst fall in U.S. stocks in nearly eight months.
* The rand was 0.71 percent stronger at 14.6750 perdollar at 0650 GMT, having closed in New York at 14.7800.
* The rand is expected to trade between 14.6000 and 14.9000to thedollar on Thursday, NKC African Economics wrote in a note.
* The rand had been supported by the market's favourablereactionto the appointment of Tito Mboweni as the new South Africanfinance minister on Tuesday.
* South Africa-focused investors were awaiting the releaseof thestatistics agency's manufacturing production data for August dueat 1100 GMT. Consensus expectations are for production to haverisen 0.6 percent on an annual basis.
* In fixed income, the yield on the benchmark governmentbond duein 2026 rose 3 basis points to 9.260 percent. (Reporting by Nomvelo ChalumbiraEditing by Ed Stoddard)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

Platinum, palladium, copper gain on green China, supply constraints

Gold stocks continue to soar as markets stumble

Gold stocks again reach new highs

Silver outpaces major metals in recent months

Another 'Bubble Check' for the gold sector