The JSE rose on Friday, leaving the all share on course for its fifth straight week of gains, fuelled by local and international factors. The all share was up 0.50% to 54,559.50 points at lunchtime, hovering near its best level since May 2015. Platinum and gold stocks enjoyed relatively decent support, as did some industrial stocks, including MTN and Vodacom, with the latter hitting a record high. Momentum was still evident in the retail sector, following a surprise interest-rate cut by the Reserve Bank’s monetary policy committee on Thursday. But some analysts are still adopting a cautious approach toward the sector, citing the tepid economic growth forecast. "I was surprised by how much emphasis was placed on economic growth. [The committee] also confirmed that the South African [economy] is growing slower than originally anticipated and the consumer is deeper in trouble than expected," Gryphon Asset Management portfolio manager Casparus Treurnicht said. The Bank cut its forecast ...
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