South Africa's rand gains as weak U.S. data lifts emerging markets

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's rand strengthened against the dollar on Friday, as investors pushed back bets on a rate hike by the Federal Reserve next week after a set of weak data from the U.S. * At 0650 GMT, the rand had gained 0.6 percent to 14.1500per dollar, compared to overnight close at 14.2350. * Expectations of a Fed rate hike at next week's meetingdimmed after U.S. retail and industrial disappointed. * Anticipation of continued monetary stimulus by ECB alsoboosting emerging currencies. * In bonds, the yield for the benchmark government issue duein 2026 cut 4 basis point to 8.655 percent. * Blue chip stocks futures index up 0.15 percent, indicatingbourse opening flat at 0700 GMT. (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana)