JSE to contend with subdued Asian markets
The local bourse will need to contend with weaker Asian equity markets and lower commodity prices on Thursday
The JSE was on track for its sixth consecutive gain on Thursday, but faced both weaker Asian markets and lower commodity prices. Activity is expected to be subdued by the Easter holidays, with the all share closed on Friday and Monday. Asian markets were reacting to losses on Wall Street overnight. In morning trade the Shanghai Composite was down 0.6%, Japan's Nikkei 0.23% and the Hang Seng 0.6%. Commodity prices were mixed, with gold giving up 0.14% to $1,272.13/oz and platinum 0.75% to $882.88. Brent crude was 0.15% higher at $71.69 a barrel. US markets failed to push higher on Wednesday, despite positive international data. The US trade deficit fell to an eight-month low in February, while a report from China earlier in the day showed that the country grew 6.4% in the first quarter, defying forecasts for a slowdown. Attention is now turning to how much more stimulus Beijing will apply without triggering more financial risks. Signs were also no encouraging on Thursday for some JSE...
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