The JSE recovered some ground from earlier levels but was still seen as sluggish by noon on Friday despite a higher close by the Dow overnight.
By 12pm the all-share index was up 0,35%, or 85 points, after being down 0,39% in early morning trade. Industrials were up 0,64% and the gold index was in the black by 0,66%. Platinum, however, retreated by 0,20%. Banks advanced 0,47% and financials 0,19%. Resources as a whole edged up 0,17%.
The rand was bid at 7,1096 per dollar from 7,18 when the JSE closed on Thursday, while gold was quoted at $645 a troy ounce from $645,45/oz at the JSE’s last close.
The local unit spiked to 7,30 per dollar on Thursday afternoon on news of South Africa’s trade deficit of R12,9-billion, but dollar weakness helped it recoup its losses.
“We are recovering a bit after a slow start — Anglo has picked up some points as well,” a Johannesburg-based trader said.
He added that trade was generally quiet despite the Dow closing higher overnight.
“There’s a bit of demand, but generally the market is very sluggish today [Friday],” he added.
Resources heavyweight Anglo American reversed from an earlier loss of R1,40 to collect R1 by noon to R333,50. BHP Billiton, however, eased by R1 to R136,50.
Petrochemicals group Sasol advanced R3,26 to R254,76.
AngloGold was up R3,20 to R346,70 while Gold Fields added R1,30 to R134,15.
Platinum stocks were mixed with Anglo Platinum up 10c to R828 and Impala off by 85c to R180,15.
On the industrial front, Barloworld gained R2,30 to R149,80, Imperial made R1,51 to R149 and diversified stock Remgro collected tR2 to R162,50. Brewer SAB was stronger by R1,75 to R150,35.
Absa stood out amongst the banking stocks as it advanced R1,05 to R113.75 rand. Nedbank was hot on its heels as it added 90c to R126,40.
Retailers were generally weaker with Ellerines giving up R1,15 to R72,35. Massmart was off by 74c to R64,73. — I-Net Bridge