/ 18 June 1997

Impending easing of forex controls hits markets

WEDNESDAY, 11.00AM

THE Johannesburg Stock Exchange experienced its biggest one-day fall in 10 weeks on Tuesday, with the all share index closing 79,4 points (1,1%) down at 7 192,1 points, mainly as a result of nervousness ahead of Friday’s futures close-out.

While the industrial fell slightly, shedding 49,7 points (0,59%) to close on 8 432,7, the gold index went into free fall, losing 28,4 points (2,52%) to close at 1 100,5 points despite gains in the gold price.

Markets were also affected by unit trust funds pulling out of equities to increase liquidity ahead of the July 1 lifting of foreign exchange controles.