The JSE opened firmer on Wednesday on stronger banks and mixed retailers, led by Shoprite, after both sectors were softer on Tuesday due to a stronger pound. The pound strengthened after UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced the UK intended to make a clean break from the EU when negotiations start at the beginning of April. It retraced some of its gains on Wednesday morning. The local market followed stronger Asian markets. The Nikkei 225 up 0.43% and The Hang Seng gained 1.14%. Banks were firmer in risk-on trade, with financial stocks also recovering. Gold shares took a breather on the weaker gold price. At 9.48am the all share was up 0.56% to 53,112.90 points and the blue-chip top 40 gained 0.63%. Banks added 1.10%, resources 0.88%, financials 0.58% and general retailers 0.02%. US equities traded lower on Tuesday, with financials lagging behind overall market performance, as general uncertainty with regard to president-elect Donald Trump’s policies increased ahead of his inaugur...
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