The JSE closed firmer on Thursday as the market sought direction on Wednesday’s budget, and amid indications of further strength in commodities. The all share closed 0.18% higher at 52,183.10 and the blue-chip top 40 added 0.07%. Food and drug retailers rose 4.19% but platinums dropped 3.12%. Spot gold rose 0.82% to $1,247 an ounce and platinum rose 0.79% to $1,009 an ounce in early evening trade. The firmer rand kept a lid on mining stocks. The local currency firmed 1.22% to an 18-month best level of R12.8170 to the dollar, as the market warmed to the fiscal consolidation stance evident in Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget on Wednesday. "The slightly lacklustre tone on global markets, coupled with the relatively brisk support for the rand, inhibited outright momentum for the domestic market," analysts at Momentum SP Reid said. Sasol ended the day 0.40% lower at R374. Anheuser-Busch InBev was 1.62% off at R1,396.01. Richemont shed 2.70% to R96.84. British American Tobacco was...
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