The JSE ended off a choppy week by closing lower on Friday, as the long-anticipated trade war between the US and China got underway in earnest.Retailers, banks and diversified miners were all lower on the day, as the rand and major global equity markets sought a clear direction. The local bourse pared broad-based gains shortly before the close, to end the day only slightly lower.The all share fell 0.17% to 57,313.9 point and the top 40 0.14%. Banks fell 1.77%, financials 1.77%, and general retailers 1.03%. Gold miners firmed 0.45%.Analysts said the reaction of global markets to the US imposition of $34bn in tariffs against China on Friday was somewhat subdued, but European, Asian and local markets all edged lower. China, in turn, immediately announced its own reciprocal tariffs, and said it would lodge a dispute with the World Trade Organisation.The rand spent much of the day weaker, before firming slightly in the afternoon. This followed the release of US non-farm payrolls data for...
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