Money SA economy
The JSE was firmly in the black by midday on Wednesday, in line with other world markets, but traders said volumes were extremely thin.
World markets were lifted by the US Federal Reserve's decision to leave rates unchanged and its liberal monetary stance, as it reaffirmed its pledge to keep rates low.
By 11.55am the JSE all share index had added 0.67%, with resources up 0.70%, gold miners 0.99% firmer and platinum miners 1.26% stronger.
Banks were 1.96% firmer, financials gained 1.07% and industrials were 0.48% higher.
Gold was quoted at $1,130.70/oz from $1,125.34/oz at the JSE's last close. Platinum was at $1,638/oz from $1,626/oz at the JSE's last close.
A local trader said the JSE was following overseas markets, with eastern markets particularly strong.
"We are looking a lot brighter today. World markets are up, metals prices are firmer and even our local retail sales were better than expected.
"We have seen across the board stocks are looking pretty good, although volumes are very light," another trader said.
South African retail trade sales at constant (2008) prices for January declined -1.7% year-on-year (y/y), after recording a revised -3.8% (-3.7%) (y/y) decline in December, figures released on Wednesday by Statistics South Africa show.
On the JSE, Anglo American firmed R3.53 or 1.17% to R304.19 and BHP Billiton added 71 cents to R246.73. However Sasol shed 18 cents to R283.82.
