* Stocks notch higher after US election
* Rand boosted by weaker dollar
(Update levels and quotes)
JOHANNESBURG, Nov 7 (Reuters) - South Africa's rand firmed against a weaker dollar on Wednesday after U.S. midterm elections split Congress, lowering the chance of any major U.S. fiscal policy boost soon.
Stocks recovered marginally from a sell-off ahead of the elections.
At 1505 GMT, the rand ZAR=D3 traded 1.04 percent stronger at 13.9725 per dollar, having earlier hit a session best of 13.8850.
The dollar index .DXY was down 0.43 percent. U.S. election results showed a split between the Republicans and Democrats, which will limit Trump's powers, the dollar has taken cue and weakened," said Afrifocus Securities portfolio manager Cheslyn Francis
Domestic data also helped the rand.
Business confidence rose for a second month in October, bolstered by higher import volumes, vehicle sales and retail sales, a survey by the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) showed. business confidence rising another month, showing business transactions are brisk, provided positive headwind for the rand and also fuelled stocks," Francis said.
The rand has been on the back foot since it was announced in September that the economy had entered a recession. firmed, with the yield on the government's 10-year paper ZAR186= down 7 basis points to 9.070 percent.
On the bourse, the all-share index .JALSH rose 0.46 percent to 54,700 points while the blue chip top 40 index .JTOPI was 0.36 percent higher at 48,295 points.
Banks .JBANK were 2.3 percent higher. Retailer Woolworths (AX:WOW) Holdings WHLJ.J rose 5.68 percent to 56.21 rand while Mr Price MRPJ.J was up 4.92 percent to 248.76 rand.
"The market is doing much better after a cautious sell-off yesterday," said analyst Ryan Woods.
"After the results of the U.S. midterm elections, we're starting to see more market certainty."
Telecoms firm Vodacom VODJ.J was down 0.39 percent after it said it had entered into a roaming and facilities leasing agreement with Telkom TKGJ.J , South Africa's biggest fixed-line operator.