The South African rand strengthened on Friday as gold prices edged higher and remained on course for a third weekly gain, while a weaker US dollar and the US Treasury's bond buyback initiative boosted sentiment toward risk-sensitive currencies and precious metals. At 0734 GMT the rand traded at 16.0550 against the dollar, about 0.4% up from its previous close.

The rand was trading at R16.12 to the dollar in the early afternoon, with analysts pointing to a weaker US dollar and softer US data behind its recent gains.

The South African rand was flat in early trade on Thursday, as global investors avoided taking large positions while digesting a surprise US Treasury announcement aimed at…