The JSE weakened on Thursday, in choppy trade, with global markets somewhat subdued by concerns over US economic growth, and escalating tension over protectionism. Local data on the day was supportive, while economic data out of the US earlier this week had dampened sentiment on world markets. "US retail sales contracted for the third month in a row — hardly a sign of confidence from the US consumer, who supposedly was pumped full of stimulus from the tax cut," said BK Asset Management MD Boris Schlossberg. Locally, mining production in January grew 2.4% from the same month in 2017, compared to the 1% growth expected by economists. Policy and regulatory uncertainty, specifically around the redrafted mining charter, had affected much needed investment into the sector, said Investec economist Lara Hodes. There was some optimism, however, that these issues would diminish under the administration of Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe. Banks gained on the day, despite a weaker ran...
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