The JSE was flat in noon trade on Tuesday with light selling ahead of United States inflation data due in the afternoon, while European Union markets took a dip in early trade.
By noon, the all-share index was flat (-0,04%). Resources fell 0,38%. The platinum and gold mining indices dipped 0,57% and 1,16% respectively. Industrials gained 0,23%, banks strengthened 0,10% and financials were up 0,17%.
The rand was bid at R7,13 per dollar from R7,08 when the JSE closed on Monday, while gold was quoted at $686,55 a troy ounce from $683,90/oz at the JSE’s last close.
“The European markets took a dip in early trade, the Eastern block closed down and everyone is waiting for the inflation report out of the US,” a Johannesburg-based dealer said.
The US inflation report was due at 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.
London-listed resources giant Anglo American was off 86 cents at R389. Dow Jones Newswires reports that the company purchased 250 000 of its shares on April 16 at prices between £27,36 and £27,66 per share.
BHP Billiton was flat at R166.
Gold miner AngloGold Ashanti weakened 1,07%, or R3,74, to R345,50, Harmony lost two rand to R114 and Gold Fields inched up 48 cents to R142,22.
Impala Platinum was off R1,70 to R246,30, while Anglo Platinum slumped 2,27%, or R29,90, to R1 230,10.
Petrochemicals group Sasol fell R1,01 to R245,50.
On the industrials front, London-listed global brewer SABMiller was up 30 cents to R162,80, while Richemont added 13 cents to R43,13.
Sugar producer Tongaat tumbled 2,05%, or three rand, to R143,50 and Illovo was up 1,53%, or three rand, to R143,50.
Cellphone network provider MTN Group gained 45 cents to R103,45, but Telkom was off 80 cents to R173,20.
Among banks and financials, Standard Bank was down 67 cents to R111,32, but FirstRand added 1,50%, or 27 cents, to R25,05.
Old Mutual edged up eight cents to R24,72 and Sanlam was up 1,02%, or 22 cents, to R21,72.
Retailer Edcon fell five cents to R45,40. — I-Net Bridge