The JSE Securities Exchange (JSE) was flat in noon trade on Wednesday, with firmer world markets offsetting the negative effects of a stronger rand. Trade was brisk — about R1,7-billion-worth of shares had changed hands.
By 12.04pm, the all-share and all-share industrial indices were both flat. The financial and banks indices firmed 0,3% and 1,2% respectively. While resources eased 0,17%, the gold-mining index gained 1,56% and the platinum-mining index ticked 0,17% higher.
The rand was quoted at R6,12 per dollar from R6,20 when the JSE closed on Tuesday, while gold was quoted at $425,50 a troy ounce from $424,85/oz at the JSE’s last close.
“The market was down earlier on the back of the much-stronger rand and should be down still,” a dealer said. “World markets were slightly stronger overnight and the JSE’s recovery might be on the back of that.”
He added that while the rand was firmer, the gold price was also higher and this seemed to be driving gold stocks instead of the currency.
The dealer said that a lot of the buying on the JSE seemed to be coming from offshore. Huge volumes had been seen in BHP Billiton.
BHP Billiton shares were 1,02% or 84 cents softer at R81,60, although they were up in London. Anglo American, which was also firmer in the United Kingdom, was unchanged at R147.
Petrochemicals group Sasol dipped 25 cents to R157,35.
Gold-miner Gold Fields jumped 2,66% or R1,85 to R71,40 and Harmony was 2,63% or R1,25 higher at R48,75. AngloGold Ashanti added 89 cents to R215,99.
Impala Platinum improved two rand to R522.
On the industrial market, cellular network operator MTN Group rallied 2,28% or one rand to R44,95 and Telkom climbed 60 cents to R104,60. The dealer said that telecoms stocks were merely bouncing after being under pressure a few days ago.
Brand management group Barloworld leaped 2,04% or two rand to R100.
London-listed brewer SABMiller, however, surrendered 1,69% or R1,65 to R96,15 and Mittal Steel slid 1,94% or R1,18 to R59,71.
Media group Naspers shed 1,39% or one rand to R71.
Standard Bank strengthened 2,3% or R1,40 to R62,40 and FirstRand firmed six cents to R13,24. RMB Holdings rose 2,44% or 51 cents to R21,45.
Nedcor eased 50 cents to R76,05.
African Life traded at a best level since July 2000 of R23,50 and was last quoted 1,08% or 25 cents in the black at R23,45.
London-listed real estate company Liberty International plc was 1,87% or R2,10 lower at R110. — I-Net Bridge