JOHANNESBURG, May 13 Reuters The South African rand strengthened against a weaker dollar on Monday, as investors awaited key U.S. data that could offer clues on the Federal Reserve39;s future interest rate path.

At 1625 GMT, the rand traded at 18.3400 against the dollar , around 0.5 stronger than its previous close.

The dollar was last down around 0.16 against a basket of global currencies.

The rand seems to be enjoying the fact that the dollar is struggling to gain ground as the market digests weakening economic outcomes in the United States, said Danny Greeff from ETM Analytics.

This week, investors are turning their attention towards U.S. inflation and retail sales data.

On the stock market, the Top40 and the broader allshare indices closed around 0.3 higher.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was stronger, with the yield down 5 basis points at 10.465.

Reporting by Tannur Anders and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Jamie Freed and Tomasz Janowski

Source Reuters