The JSE opened lower on Wednesday, as Asian markets retreated on a softer close on the Dow and as the market eyed developments in Zimbabwe. Gold was up on a weaker dollar and retail stocks were firmer ahead of the release of retail sales data later in the day. Early-morning reports stated that President Robert Mugabe was under house arrest and may be preparing to step down. Analysts said the reported coup in Zimbabwe had had little effect on the overall market and the rand. Trade in individual shares with interests in Zimbabwe, including Impala Platinum, were flat in cautious trade. "We have to wait to see what the real outcome is in Zimbabwe before making any suggestions on how it could affect the rand," said TreasuryOne analyst Andre Botha. The rand was unchanged at R13.37 to the dollar. The platinum price added 0.24% to $928.76/oz. The Dow closed 0.13% lower at 23,409.47 points on Tuesday as the run on General Electric continued with the blue-chip share falling another 5%. Apple ...
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