Money SA economy
The JSE was firm in morning trade on Thursday tracking Asian stocks, and boosted by commodities amid firm metal prices and a softer dollar.
By 09:26 the JSE all share index was 0.37% firmer, with resources 1.02% better off, and platinum miners 1% firmer. Gold miners shed 1.34%. Banks ticked 0.96% higher, financials added 0.8%, but industrials were 0.45% softer. Gold was quoted at US$1,211.57 a troy ounce from US$1,215.03/oz at the JSE's last close. Platinum was at $1,543/oz from $1,533.50/oz at the JSE's last close.
A local trader said: "US futures are looking strong, Asian stocks are firmer, along with the market in Australia which has swept us along this morning. Commodities are firm amid strong metal prices, and a weaker dollar," he said.
European stock markets opened firm on Thursday, while core European government bonds opened weaker, and the euro and sterling gained against the dollar and the yen.
On Wall Street Wednesday, stocks fell as worries about the global economy flared anew late in the session, overcoming an earlier rally that had been powered by the encouraging U.S economic data and OECD estimates.
In Asia, shares traded mostly higher Thursday, reversing early session losses as bargain-hunters picked up recently battered shares.
