The JSE continued its fall at midday on Friday, taking its cue from world markets, which were retreating further as international credit worries weighed heavily. At midday, the JSE all-share index had dipped 3,18%, with resources tumbling 4,01%, the gold mining index losing 3,01% and the platinum mining index falling 3,11%..

Although still 117 points in the red, the JSE perked up in midday trade on Monday after news that the government would not impose a windfall tax on petrochemicals giant Sasol. The local bourse received added support from signs that global markets were beginning to turn around after last week’s huge sell-offs.

The JSE was in positive territory at midday on Friday, trading 169 points in the black. The resource index was driving the market after Anglo American released good results on Friday. At 12.06pm, the JSE all-share index had gained 0,61%, with the resources adding 1,09% and platinum climbing 0,77%.

The JSE was in positive territory at midday on Thursday, but off its best levels reached earlier in the morning. The all-share was last up 60 points after having been up 304 points at one stage. At 12pm, the JSE all-share index gained 0,22%, with the resources and platinum indices flat (up 0,03% and -0,04% respectively), and the gold-mining index slipping 0,84%.

The JSE was down sharply at midday on Wednesday as United States sub-prime issues and low quality mortgage loan concerns led the Dow lower, which had a knock-on effect on the rest of the world. At 12.03pm, the JSE all-share index fell 2,79%, with resources dumping 3,25%, and the gold and platinum mining indices tumbling 3,75% and 4,63% respectively.

South African fixed-line operator Telkom said on Tuesday that its customers are set to benefit from an overall price reduction of 1,2% as of August 1. Telkom filed price changes on June 13, which have been subsequently approved by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.

The JSE was firmer at midday led by the resources sector which was being driven by stronger precious metal prices. At 12.03pm, the all-share index was up 1,39% as resources added 1,80%. The platinum mining index climbed 1,29% and the gold-mining index gained 1,03%.

The Competition Commission said on Monday that it has found that the conduct of MTN of charging Cell C the commercial interconnection rate in the same areas that it charges Vodacom community-service telephone rates amounts to price discrimination. The commission has referred the matter to the Competition Tribunal.

At midday, the JSE was still firm, but was a tad lower than its strong opening this morning as the financial index started to pull back. At 12.01pm, the all-share index was 0,98% better as resources added 1,94% and the platinum-mining index climbed 1,20%. However, the gold-mining index was off 0,64%.