The JSE opened firmer on Friday on upbeat US data and signs that the European Central Bank (ECB) was ready to extend its stimulus programme beyond March next year. A firmer Brent crude price supported the positive sentiment after falling sharply on Thursday on concern about overproduction in the market following Russia’s pledge to increase its production capacity. Miners and selected industrials on the JSE, notably British American Tobacco (BAT), were favourites on Friday morning but platinum and gold stocks softened on lower spot prices. The gold price was down 0.19% to $1,263/oz and platinum dropped 0.18% to $931. At 9.32am the all share was 0.48% higher at 51,669.90 points and the blue-chip top 40 added 0.65%. Resources were up 0.78% and industrials 0.61%. Platinums shed 1.27%, the gold index 0.65% and property 0.69%. Existing home sales in the US rose 3.2% in September to the highest level since June. Initial jobless claims in the US were up 13,000 to 260,000, their 85th consecu...
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