The JSE was looking robust in noon trade on Thursday, benefiting from a higher gold price, firmer world markets and solid corporate results. A stronger rand did little to dampen the bourse’s spirits. By 12.02pm, the all-share index advanced 0,96%. Resources rallied 1,92% and the gold-mining index jumped 2,39%.

The JSE was weaker just before midday on Wednesday, dragged down by a firmer rand and weaker world markets. Platinum stocks continued to shine, however, as the white metal raced to fresh quarter-century highs. By 11.55am, the all share and all share industrial indices shed 0,62% and 0,56% respectively. Financials fell 0,22% and the banks index was 0,2% softer.

After weakening initially on profit taking, the JSE recouped its losses on Tuesday morning to trade at a record high for the third straight day. Positive global sentiment, relative strength in commodities and weakness in the rand acted in concert to lift the local bourse, dealers said.

The JSE was firmer just before noon on Thursday, with higher precious-metals prices and strong performance by gold ADRs (American Depository Receipts) in New York overnight boosting resources stocks. Buying filtered through to other sectors and advancers outnumbered decliners.

After opening higher, the JSE surrendered its gains and had dipped into the red by noon on Wednesday, dragged down by weaker world markets and a slightly stronger rand. There was also little news to draw buyers into the market and volumes were light. By noon, the all-share index was down a marginal 0,04%.

The JSE was weaker at midday on Monday dragged down by resources giants Anglo American and BHP Billiton, the bourse’s two heaviest weighted stocks. Although the overall index was in the red, advancers outnumbered decliners on it by about three to two.

The JSE was weaker in noon trade on Friday as players took profits ahead of the weekend. The market roared to a record high on Thursday after news that United Kingdom-based Vodafone planned to up its stake in Vodacom to 50% by acquiring VenFin’s 15% stake triggered frenzied buying.

The JSE was roaring ahead in noon trade on Thursday after news that United Kingdom-based Vodafone plans to up its stake in local cellular network operator Vodacom to 50% from 35% sparked widespread buying. Trade was brisk — more than R2,8-billion-worth of shares had changed hands.

The JSE was in positive territory just before midday on Wednesday in brisk, order-driven trade. Firmer European markets and the rand coming off the morning’s best levels also provided support. By 11.52am, the all-share index added 0,38%. Industrials jumped 0,94%, financials firmed 0,45% and the banks index was 0,91% better.

The JSE was firmer at midday on Tuesday, bolstered by strong performances on United States and Asian markets. Positive performances by heavyweight resources stocks in London further helped the local bourse. At noon, the all-share and all-share industrial indices were up 0,3% and 0,15% respectively.