Money SA economy
The JSE was slightly firmer at noon on Thursday, with Dimension Data (DDT) taking the spotlight, while investors kept a cautious stance amid the flow of corporate earnings and economic data from the US.
By noon local time the JSE all share index had gained 0.26%. Resources were flat at -0.05%, and gold producers strengthened 1.12%. Platinum miners lost 0.33%. Banks were up 0.20, financials also rose 0.17%, and industrials climbed 0.52%. Gold was quoted at $1 211.93 a troy ounce from $1 209.83/oz at the JSE's previous close, while platinum was at $1 527.50/oz from $1 527.50/oz before.
A trader said Didata is "the talk of the day" following news that Japan's Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), one of the largest global telecommunications service providers, has made a £2.1 billion bid to acquire the group.
The trader said the rest of the local equities showed a mixed performance, with investors waiting for more US earnings results and economic data.
Dow Jones Newswires reported that Asian markets ended mostly lower on Thursday, with Chinese bank stocks falling on a poor debut for Agricultural Bank of China's Shanghai-listed shares. Resource stocks broadly declined on concerns slower-than-expected Chinese economic growth might dampen commodities demand.
On the JSE, market heavyweights were mixed, with Anglo American plc losing 90 cents to R276.10, and BHP Billiton shedding 27 cents to R211.67, but Sasol gaining 57 cents to 286.92 rand.
Didata skyrocketed R2.48 or 21.43% to R14.05 following news of the bid by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation.
