The JSE closed lower on Thursday, as markets reacted to political-risk events this week that have turned global sentiment negative. Gold shares rocketed as tension between the US and North Korea sent investors into safe-haven assets, with the gold price at a two-month high. Some analysts warned the stand-off may be protracted. The all share closed 0.5% lower at 55,700.6 points, and the top 40 was down 0.54%. General retailers lost 2.09%, industrials 1.13%, banks 0.99% and financials 0.5%. Gold miners added 6.18%, platinums 2.08% and resources 1.13%. Most global equity markets were lower on elevated risk, with recent moves suggesting there had been few catalysts to push shares higher from recent levels, reported Dow Jones Newswires. Safe-haven assets, including treasuries, the Japanese yen and gold extended Wednesday’s gains. The world had not faced this form of brinkmanship since the end of the Cold War, said SP Angel analysts. Diversified miner Anglo American closed 1.68% up at R22...
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