Despite its stronger start, the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (JSE) drifted into the red by noon on Friday on the back of weaker European markets and general lack of interest. Volumes were extremely thin and some selling by futures players added to the negative picture.
By 12.01pm, the all-share index was 0,25% softer. Resources retreated 0,82%, the platinum mining index shed 0,28% and the gold mining index was off a modest 0,09%. Financials were flat (-0,02%), but the banks index inched up 0,15%. The all-share industrial index was 0,24% better.
The rand was quoted at R6,95 per dollar from R6,88 when the JSE closed on Thursday, while gold was quoted at $373,88/oz from $376,40/oz at the JSE’s last close.
“The market is absolutely dead. Volumes are shocking for this time of day and most of the market is marginally off,” a dealer said.
He added that while there had been demand for resources stocks, particularly platinum, earlier in the day, these had all dropped back into negative territory.
“There is a general lack of interest and lack of commitment — in these circumstances, the market tends to drift weaker,” the dealer continued.
He added that European markets and United States futures were also down, which was weighing on the JSE.
“There have been a couple of reverse arbitrage trades from the futures guys and, in thin volumes, a couple of baskets can make a big difference,” the dealer commented, explaining that derivatives players had been buying futures and selling the underlying shares.
Shares to decline in morning trade included London-listed diversified resources group Anglo American, which weakened 1,42% or R1,89 to R131,61 while BHP Billiton lost 32 cents to R53,20.
Synthetic fuels group Sasol slid 1,41% or R1,40 to R97,60.
Gold miner Harmony (HAR) slipped 1,05% or 75 cents to R71, while platinum miner AngloPlat dipped one rand to R231.
London-listed IT group Dimension Data surrendered 1,45% or six cents to R4,09 and steel producer Iscor was 32 cents softer at R32,58.
Media group Naspers tumbled 2,09% or 90 cents to R42,10.
Cellular network operator MTN Group slipped 1,83% or 50 cents to R26,85, while Telkom surrendered 1,59% or R1,20 to R74,50.
On the financial front, banking group Absa fell 30 cents to R44,70. London-listed financial services group Old Mutual was down nine cents at R11,41.
On the JSE’s upside, Swiss-listed luxury goods group Richemont rallied 2,45% or 40 cents to R16,70.
Food group Tiger Brands ticked up 1,14% or one rand to R89, while Tongaat was 1,11% or 50 cents stronger at R45,50.
IT group Comparex surged 3,03% or 15 cents to R5,10, while furniture retailer JD Group jumped 1,99% or 80 cents to R41.
Holding company Remgro gained 60 cents to R72,30 and niche banking group Investec plc leaped 2,02% or R2,30 to R116. — I-Net Bridge