The JSE was in positive territory at noon on Thursday, in line with world markets, which were all stronger ahead of the United States Federal Open Market Committee.
At 12.01pm, the all-share index added 1,36%. Resources rallied 1,94%, the platinum-mining index jumped 1,96% and the gold-mining index gained 0,53%. Industrials climbed 0,71%, while the financial and banks indices firmed 1,14% and 1,72% respectively.
The rand was bid at 7,32 per dollar from 7,20 when the JSE closed on Wednesday, while gold was quoted at $581,20 a troy ounce from $579,35/oz at the JSE’s last close.
A dealer said that with the evening’s US rates increase already priced in, sentiment on world markets was a lot more positive.
“I think we are coming to the end of US rate hikes. World markets are feeling more upbeat that if they are not ending now, they will at least end in August,” he commented, adding that markets generally seemed to no longer see inflation as a threat.
On the JSE’s upside, BHP Billiton was 3,07% or R3,98 better at R133,50 and Anglo American added 2,42% or R6,65 to R281,45.
Petrochemicals group Sasol strengthened 1,15% or R3,14 to R275,89.
Impala Platinum leaped 2,43% or R30,80 to R1Â 298. AngloPlat added 1,14% or R8 to R707.
Harmony Gold was 1,25% or R1,30 higher at R105 and Gold Fields gained 1,01% or R1,50 to R150,50.
Swiss-listed luxury goods group Richemont rose 1,81% or 55c to R30,90.
London-listed brewer SABMiller strengthened 92c to R124,40.
Brand management group Barloworld climbed 99c to R115.
Cellular network operator MTN Group was up 48c at R51,29.
Retailer Massmart rallied 3,69% or R1,60 to R45 and Foschini firmed 2,56% or R1,08 to R43,30.
Standard Bank was 2,21% or R1,60 stronger at R74, Nedbank notched up R2,40 or 2,26% to R108,40, FirstRand firmed 1,2% or 19c to R16,05 and Absa added 1,1% or R1,03 to R94,78.
London-listed financial services group Old Mutual was up 17c at R21,20.
Sanlam, however, slipped 1,48% or 21c to R13,99.
Telkom weakened R1,25 to R131,50 and media group Naspers eased 50c to R114,20.
Coal and iron ore miner Kumba lost 1,56% or R2 to R126,50.
DRDGOLD tumbled 2,15% or 20c to R9,10, while AngloGold Ashanti dipped 89c to R322,10. — I-Net Bridge