OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Friday 4.30pm.
THE Johannesburg Stock Exchange ended slightly stronger on Friday, in thin trade, largely due to the spate of public holidays over the past week.
The rand also recovered some of Thursday’s losses when it plunged to R6,86, and by late afternoon was trading at R6,82 to the dollar.
The overall finished 0,74% or 55 points up. Financials weakened 0,77% or 76 points, while industrials closed 0,85% or 71 points sharper.
Gold shares also suffered some losses, ending the day 1,83% or 17 points down. By 4pm gold had lost $1,25 on the international market and was trading at $274,95 to the ounce.
“The market is flat after a positive start. The main feature of the market is the weaker rand and the absence of major market players. Volumes are very low and next week’s activity will depend on the performance of the global markets,” an equities dealer said.
The Hang-Seng finished 2,15% or 326 points up, while Tokyo’s Nikkei closed 0,25% or 45 points down.