The JSE was weaker on Thursday morning amid broad-based losses as gold and platinum shares retreated amid subdued commodity prices. Firm demand for Naspers kept industrials flat as local industrials softened. Gold was unchanged at $1,279/oz, but platinum edged up 0.15% to $968/oz. "The market tone is expected to be inconsistent for the day, with selling pressure warranting a circumspect approach," Momentum SP Reid analysts said. The volatile rand left banks and financials vulnerable to directional inconsistency as political developments unfolded, Momentum said. The rand hit R13.1974/$ from R13.2738/$ in early morning trade, again surprising analysts with its upbeat trade. At 9.40am the all share was 0.35% lower at 52,362.20 points and the blue-chip top 40 dropped 0.36%. The gold index shed 3.16%, platinums 2.57%, food and drug retailers 1.24%, resources 0.89% and general retailers 0.81%. Amid the big counters, Sasol lost 1.34% to R395.26. Brent crude was up 0.23% to $53.15 a barrel ...
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