JOHANNESBURG, Sept 9 Reuters The South African rand slipped against a stronger dollar on Monday, with looming U.S. data likely to dictate currency moves this week.

The dollar was up around 0.37 against a basket of global currencies , as markets looked to Wednesday39;s U.S. inflation report for clues about the size of a Federal Reserve rate cut expected next week.

U.S. producer inflation data is also scheduled for release this week.

At 1533 GMT, the rand traded at 17.8925 against the dollar , about 0.34 weaker than its previous close.

Direction in currency markets will likely be taken from U.S. data releases, ETM Analytics said in a research note, adding that a bigger Fed rate cut would likely boost the risksensitive rand39;s prospects.

Local data points this week include July manufacturing output figures on Tuesday and mining production numbers on Thursday.

Economists polled by Reuters predict both sectors will register yearonyear growth after declines in June, reflecting volatile conditions in key sectors of Africa39;s most industrialised economy.

On the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the bluechip Top40 index closed slightly stronger, up 0.07.

South Africa39;s benchmark 2030 government bond was weaker, as the yield gained 3 basis points to 9.02.

Reporting by Alexander Winning and Tannur Anders; Editing by Gareth Jones and Christina Fincher

Source Reuters