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The Top-40 advanced 0.05% on the day to end the year at 43 969 points, having failed to build on a record 47 143 set in July.
The broader All-Share index edged up 0.03% on the day to 49 770 and added 7.6% for the year. It also touched a life high in July, of 52 323.
"There's going to be continued volatility next year," said Kyle Dutton at brokerage Mercato Financial Service, citing weak oil prices filtering down to resource companies such as synthetic fuel maker Sasol [JSE:SOL].
A delayed recovery in the Chinese market, a key buyer of many of the resources produced in Africa's most developed economy, could also impact mining companies listed in Johannesburg.
However, the weakening rand, which shed 10% against the dollar this year having depreciated more than 20% in 2013, could prove positive for companies with the bulk of their operations outside the country.
"The rand is teetering on the brink of further weakness and it could bode well for those deriving their earnings from overseas," Dutton said, pointing to the likes of furniture maker Steinhoff [JSE:SHF].
Some of the best performers this year were defensive stocks such as pharmaceutical firm Aspen [JSE:APN] and hospital group Netcare [JSE:NTC], which added 52% and 45% respectively.
Clothing and homewares retailer Mr. Price [JSE:MPC], along with internet company Naspers [JSE:NPN], each added about 40%.
On the flip side, the five worst performers on the benchmark index were all mining companies, including Kumba Iron Ore [JSE:KIO] which nearly halved in value, and Impala Platinum [JSE:IMP], which lost about 40%, hit by a five-month labour strike that hurt producers of the precious metal.
Trade was thin on Wednesday, with just 43 million shares changing hands in a session that was shortened to half a day ahead of Thursday's New Year holiday.
