The JSE ended Monday higher as the general retail sector rose ahead of this week’s consumer inflation data, which may point to lower interest rates in September or November at the Reserve Bank’s next meetings. A stable rand at R13.16 to the dollar also supported sentiment, as a stronger rand is conducive toward lower inflation. Statistics SA is expected to release consumer price index (CPI) data for July on Wednesday. Inflation has been forecast to ease to 4.6% from 5.1% in June, as a result of lower food and transport costs. Platinum shares gained on a stronger platinum price, up 0.95% to $985.61 an ounce. The all share closed 0.26% higher at 55,450.50 and the blue-chip top 40 added 0.20%. The platinum index was up 1.22%, general retailers 0.99%, resources 0.76%, food and drug retailers 0.64% and banks 0.30%. The gold index lost 0.48% and property 0.12%. Local retail sales rose 2.9% in June from a year ago in real terms. For the second quarter as a whole, real sales were up 2.1% fr...
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