Money SA economy
The JSE was stronger at noon, shaking off earlier losses and taking its cue from firmer global equities which got a boost from Wednesday's good US private-sector jobs data and upbeat corporate news around the world.
By 12pm local time the JSE all share index had gained 0.35%, with banks up 0.08%, financials rising 0.17%, and industrials firming 0.35%. Resources were 0.45% stronger, and platinum counters edged up 0.39%, but gold shares fell 0.26%. Gold was quoted at $1,196.30/oz from $1,199.70/oz at the JSE's previous close, while platinum was at $1,579.50/oz from $1, 586.50/oz before.
A trader said the local market rose on the back of "pretty good" US private-sector jobs data on Wednesday and Thursday's corporate reports from the East and Europe. Another trader said domestic investors were tracking their international counterparts as the market awaited key economic data from the US.
Dow Jones Newswires reported that Asian shares were mostly higher on Thursday with Japanese automakers driving the Tokyo market after Toyota posted stellar quarterly earnings and delivered a bullish outlook.
European stocks were stronger on Thursday. The FTSE 100 was last 0.39% higher.
On the JSE, Anglo American Plc added 10 cents to R299.70, and BHP Billiton rose R1.81 to R233.60. Sasol gained R1.63 to R294.63.
