The JSE ended weaker on Friday after a damp squib of a shortened trading session capped a bumper year that saw the all share index rocket 43%, reaching countless record highs in the process. Dealers said that lack of buying interest, weaker world markets and position squaring ahead of the long weekend all contributed to the bourse’s weakness on the day.

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.

The JSE continued its advance into record territory on Thursday morning, albeit in quiet trade. Dealers said that positive sentiment towards equities and a higher gold price were boosting the local bourse. By 11.50am, the all-share index was up 0,26% at 17 944,19, having earlier touched a lifetime high of 17 974,551.

The JSE was firmer just before noon on Wednesday with stocks marked up on extremely light volumes. While still in the red, gold stocks were off their lows helped by a recovery in the bullion price. By 11.51am, the all-share and all-share industrial indices added 0,45% and 0,31% respectively.

Buying related to the afternoon’s futures close-out and firmer world markets boosted the JSE on Thursday, with the all-share index touching a record high. Gold stocks, which were unable to continue to ignore the lower bullion price, were the only real weak spot. The futures close-out began at noon.

The JSE was in the red just before noon on Thursday, dragged down by profit-taking and weaker world markets. While off their highs, gold stocks remained strong on the back of the bullion price which reached a 24-and-a-half year high of $519,01/oz in Asian trade.

Gold stocks shone on the JSE at midday on Wednesday, boosted by the gold price, which reached a fresh 24-and-a-half year high. With a slightly weaker rand and firmer world markets also helping the local bourse, gains were seen across the board.

The JSE was weaker just before midday on Monday, dragged down by a strong rand, weaker world markets and gold coming off its best levels. A technical problem with the futures market made for very light volumes on the bourse however. By 11.55am, the all share index lost 0,36%.

MTN Group was dominating trade on the JSE at noon on Thursday after its withdrawal of a cautionary announcement put paid to the speculation that the cellular network operator could be a takeover target, which had been driving its shares to record highs. This saw it lead the downside of a generally firmer market.

The JSE raced to a record high on Friday morning when resources stocks were boosted by higher precious metals prices. Stronger world markets added to the positive picture. By 12.02pm, the all-share index was up 1,16% at 17 488,16, having earlier reached a record high of 17 540,08.