The JSE closed firmer on Wednesday in topsy-turvy trade as a recovering rand supported banks later in the day, while retailers retreated in risk-off trade.Miners were higher, led by platinums, despite the stronger rand, as firmer commodity prices boosted sentiment. Brent crude had softened to $74.77 a barrel by the JSE’s close. At the same time platinum had risen 0.43% to $906.91 an ounce and gold 0.26% to $1,299.75.Losses against the dollar were relatively contained on the day, as the market continued to digest data suggesting SA’s growth forecast for 2018 required downward revision.After being weaker for most of the day the local currency turned around in later trade as the euro firmed against the dollar amid reports that the European Central Bank (ECB) intended continuing with unwinding its monetary stimulus, despite the recent problems in Italy.SA’s economy contracted a quarterly 2.2% in the first quarter despite a consensus prediction by analysts of a 0.5% fall.Sentiment toward...
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