The JSE was awash with red just before noon on Wednesday in thin trade. Profit-taking following its rally to a record high on Tuesday and weakness in US markets overnight were among factors weighing on the local bourse.
By 11.49am, the all share and all share industrial indices shed 1,24% and 1,09% respectively. Resources retreated 1,34%, the gold mining index dropped 1,87% and the platinum mining index eased 0,45%. Financials fell 1,31% and the banks index was 1,92% in the red.
“It is very quiet,” a dealer said. “Gold ADRs [American Depository Receipts] were weaker overseas and this is evident in the market at the moment.”
He continued that the Dow was down quite sharply overnight, which was negatively affecting the JSE.
“We are also seeing some profit taking, especially in financials. Banks had quite a run yesterday and they are softer across the board.”
The dealer said a lower oil price had knocked petrochemicals group Sasol, although the counter had recouped some of its losses.
Sasol shares were last quoted 1,35% or R3,04 in the red at R222,46, having traded as low as R220,10.
Global resources group BHP Billiton lost 1,25% or R1,30 to R102,70 and Anglo American slumped 1,72% or R3,77 to R215.
Harmony Gold dropped 3,35% or R2,88 to R83, AngloGold Ashanti surrendered 1,89% or R5,85 to R303,60 and Gold Fields gave up 1,14% or R1,25 to R108,75.
AngloPlat was 1,09% or five rand lower at R455.
On the all share industrial index, Swiss-listed luxury goods group Richemont slid 2,09% or 59 cents to R27,60 and London-listed brewer SABMiller was 1,84% or R2,19 softer at R116,80.
Brand management group Barloworld weakened 1,81% or two rand to R108,50 and transport and logistics group Imperial was off 1,57% or R2,21 at R139.
It emerged on Wednesday that Barloworld has appointed ANZ Investment Bank to review the terms of the Allco Equity Partners’ recent takeover offer for Australian paint manufacturer Wattyl.
Barloworld said in a statement released to the Australian Stock Exchange on Wednesday that it has been advised of the recent takeover offer by Allco for Wattyl.
Wattyl is Australia’s second largest paint manufacturer, while Barloworld is number three in the Australian paint market.
Telkom was down 1,43% or two rand at R138.
FirstRand led financials lower, falling 2,31% or 45 cents to R19.
Its major shareholder RMB Holdings was 2,46% or 72 cents in the red at R28,53.
Standard Bank slid 1,82% or R1,43 to R77,10, Nedbank was off 1,54% or R1,58 at R101,22 and Absa dipped one rand to R102,20.
Life assurer Sanlam was 1,56% or 24 cents weaker at R15,16, while London-listed Old Mutual tumbled 2,41% or 45 cents to R18,20.
Liberty group, however, gained 26 cents to R75,60.
Furniture retailer JD Group was 65 cents firmer at R75,75. – I-Net Bridge