JSE follows global markets lower

Johannesburg - The JSE followed global markets lower at the opening on Thursday, with US data a key focus for later in the day. However, losses on the local bourse were small.

"Yesterday we were strong compared with the rest of the market and this morning it doesn't look too bad. We ran quite hard towards the close yesterday and now we are seeing some consolidation," said a local equities trader.

At 09:19 the JSE all share index was off 0.27%, with resources off a marginal 0.11%, gold miners 0,13% softer and platinum miners 0.18% weaker.

Banks were off 0.45%, financials eased 0.15% and industrials declined 0.34%.

The rand was bid at R7.41 to the dollar, from R7.38 at the JSE's close on Wednesday. Gold was quoted at $1 108.27 a troy ounce from $1 119.60/oz at the JSE's last close. Platinum was at $1 591/oz from $1 602/oz at the JSE's last close.

- I-Net Bridge