Money SA economy
The JSE tracked sentiment on global markets at midday keeping its nose in the black amid fairly subdued trading.
A local trader said that a better than expected current account deficit had very little impact on the exchange.
South Africa's current account deficit reduced to -2.8% of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2009 from -3.1% in the third quarter, the South African Reserve Bank said in its latest quarterly bulletin issued Tuesday.
By 12.02pm the JSE all share index had gained 0.21%, with resources 0.57% firmer. Gold miners were relatively flat, up 0.13%, but platinum miners declined 1.47%. Banks were 0.21% better off, financials inched 0.19% higher, but industrials moved 0.14% lower.
Gold was quoted at $1 102.47/oz from $1 107.79/oz at the JSE's last close. Platinum was at $1 606.50/oz from $1 613/oz at the JSE's last close.
A local trader said: "We are tracking US futures and general global sentiment, with the FTSE also firmer amid very little action."
Dow Jones Newswires reported that European stocks edged higher as basic resources and banks advanced.
US stocks are expected to open a touch higher Tuesday, following on from the gains seen in the previous session. David Morrison at GFT calls the DJIA up 20 points at 10,806 and the S&P 500 up two at 1168.
On the JSE, Anglo American was R3.41 rand or 1.14% richer at R301.91 and BHP Billiton found 378c or 1.55% at R247.03.
Sasol gave up R2 to R282.50.
