MICHAEL METELITS, Johannesburg | Friday 5.30pm.
GOOD gold and foreign exchange reserves data failed to make much of an impact on South African financial markets on Friday, although most major indices were up.
The Reserve Bank released figures showing gross gold and foreign reserves figures of R35,1-billion rand at the end of June from R34,4-billion rand at the end of May, but the oversold forward book fell to $21,5-billion at the end of June from $22,2 billion at the end of May.
Stock prices made the most hay with the data, as resource stocks drove a mild rally. The all share picked up 50 points to rise 0,70%, while industrials slipped 32 for a net loss of 0,42%.
Financials were boosted the most by the positive data, as good exchange positions ought to prop up the rand. The index grabbed 152 points for a 1,48% gain to close out the week, while all gold rose 9 points for an 0,93% finish.
Bonds slid a bit despite the good news, and dealers speculated that the market is exhausted from a week of data releases and sizeable moves. The benchmark R150 bond slid from Thursday’s close of 14,20% to 14,29% on Friday. Some traders fretted over the bond’s failure to assault the 14% barrier.
The rand also stayed at the weaker end of its range, giving up some in early trade but closing again at R6,03 to the dollar.
Internationally, gains were largest in Asia and more muted in Europe. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng blasted up 652 points or 4,82% as traders toasted the US Fed’s neutral 25 basis point interest rate hike. Tokyo’s Nikkei-225 managed a 72 ponits or 0,40% rise, after worries over corporate earnings dampened investor joy.
In Europe, gains were less boisterous. London’s FTSE-100 picked up 7 points after a day in the red, gaining 0,11%. Contnental exchanges were even better, as Frankfurt’s DAX gained 39 points or 0,71%, while Paris’ CAC-40 grabbed a modest 11 points for 0,25%.