Money SA economy
The JSE was off its earlier worst levels in late morning trade on Thursday as the euro recovery against the US dollar continued, lifting metals prices off their lows.
At 11:51 the JSE all share index was down just 0.11%, with resources 0.20% softer and platinum miners 0.53% worse off. However, gold shares were up 0.38%. Banks were off just 0.08% but financials were up a marginal 0.05%, while industrials were 0.12% softer.
Gold was quoted at $1 137.57/oz from $1 126.74/oz at the JSE's last close. Platinum was at $1 578.50/oz from $1 565/oz at the JSE's last close.
A local equities trader said that the local market has been generally quite positive over the past few days and has now run into some profit taking.
Later today the market will focus on the ECB and Bank of England interest rate decisions and then US employment data on Friday.
Dow Jones Newswires reports Asian shares ended mostly lower Thursday, with Chinese banking and property shares losing ground a day before the mainland's annual National
People's Congress amid concerns about policy tightening.
Traders said investors were also cautious ahead of the European Central Bank's interest rate decision later Thursday and US jobs data Friday, while recent developments around debt-strapped Greece were also being watched closely.
In London, the FTSE100 was last down 10.7 points.
On the JSE, Anglo American was up 6c to R294 and BHP Billiton lost 50c to R241. Sasol wavered R2.12 at R283.88.
