SABMiller said on Thursday that its financial performance was in line with management’s expectations as good revenue growth was partially offset by higher input costs and increased investment across the business. The group said in a trading update ahead of the release of its full year financial results on May 17, that for the year to end March it recorded 23% growth in lager volumes.

After starting firmer, the JSE drifted weaker during the course of Friday morning’s session, but was just barely hanging on to positive territory just after midday on Friday. By 12.25pm, the all-share index was up 0,03% — or just eight points. The resources index was 0,20% higher and the gold mining index was ahead 0,21%.

The JSE remained on the softer side at midday on Wednesday as some sectors fell prey to profit taking. However, there were pockets of strength, notably industrial counters. At 12.21pm, the all-share index was down 0,23%, with resources off 1,34%, the gold miners 1,28% softer and platinums 0,87% in the red.

The JSE continued its upward momentum on Thursday, and although it was off its morning high of 25 075,99, it remained around the 25 000 level. This was the first time that the all share index had moved above the 25 000 level. By noon, the all share index was up 0,26%, aided by a 0,77% increase in resources, a 1,3% rise in golds and a 1,28% jump in platinums.

The JSE touched a fresh all-time high on Wednesday, albeit in thin volumes, aided by strong gains for gold miners and resources. Volumes were very thin as many players are away until the new year, having chosen to take the week between Christmas and New year off.

South African cellular operator Vodacom estimates that the South African market will reach 48-million by 2012. Speaking at the presentation of the group’s interim results on Monday, CEO Alan Knott-Craig said Vodacom is strategically placed for continued market leadership.

The JSE remained firm at midday on Wednesday, due mainly to strong commodities prices and the softer rand. Local investors were showing interest in retail stocks, a trader noted. By noon, the all share and all share industrial indices had added 0,32% and 0,25% respectively.

The JSE was at yet another record high at midday on Tuesday, boosted by resources and gold miners. By 12.04pm, the all share index had added 0,07%, with resources 0,78% ahead and gold miners 0,60% better. Industrials were off 0,22%, financials shed 0,78% and the banks index was 1,56% weaker. Platinum miners retreated 0,78%.

The JSE remained in the black at midday on Thursday, but was off its earlier best levels as resource stocks retreated as the firmer rand came into play. As was the case earlier in the session, banks and financial stocks were a feature. By noon, the all-share index was up 0,16%, aided by a 1,59% rise in the banking index and a 0,63% jump in the financial index.

After ending on a record high on Monday, the JSE was taking a breather on Tuesday, weighed down by weaker metals prices and a firmer rand. By noon, the all-share index was down 1,18%, due largely to a 3,33% fall in the gold-mining index, a 2,16% retreat in the resources index and a 1,74% decline in the platinum-mining index.