MORNING DIGEST by Tim Firth - Fri 03 Sep 2010
U S Equities: Stocks rose on low volume on Thursday as data showed improvement in housing and the job market a day ahead of the critical monthly payrolls figures. Investors built on Wednesday's sharp advance as indicators provided the latest reason for optimism the economy could avoid another downturn. But the nascent rally could be derailed if Friday's jobs data disappoints investors. Chipmaker shares rose for a second day running and the PHLX
semiconductor index gained 2.1 percent to close above its 14-day moving average for the first time since late July. Broadcom Corp, posted a 9.2 percent advance in the last two sessions, its largest such gain since May 2009.JSE: The JSE closed weaker on Thursday as nervous investors took profit after Wednesday's steep gains, which saw the JSE all share index rise nearly 3%.The JSE all share index closed 0.49% weaker, with resources 0.57% lower. But platinum miners gained 0.27% and gold miners rose 1.44. Banks fell 0.61%, financials were down 0.29% and industrials lost 0.52. Anglo American lost 1.30 rand to 275.50 rand, BHP Billiton fell 3.19 rand or 1.48% to 211.91 rand, and Sasol declined 5.50 rand or 1.90% to 283.60 rand. Among gold counters, AngloGold Ashanti was 5.61
rand or 1.82% higher at 314.01 rand, Goldfields fell 86 cent to 104.88 rand, and Harmony fell 1.18 rand or 1.58% to 75.87 rand. On Platinum counters, Northam Platinum surged 1.67 rand or 4.07% to 42.69 rand and Impala Platinum firmed 72 cents to 181.99 rand. But Lonmin was down 2.70 rand or 1.51% to 176.30 rand.