S. Africa's JSE closes higher buoyed by banks, retailers rally

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) closed higher on Thursday, ending a four-day losing run.

The all share closed 0.87 percent higher at 57,845.57 points and the blue-chip top 40 added 0.68 percent. Banks rose 4.84 percent, general retailers 4.27 percent, platinums 3.86 percent, financials 2.59 percent, and food and drug retailers 2.1 percent. The gold index lost 1.53 percent.

Anglo American gained 1.08 percent to R253.11.

Northam Platinum was up 7.4 percent to R47.17 and Impala Platinum 5 percent to R30.45.

Standard Bank added 4.79 percent to R178.35 after it was announced that former Treasury director-general Lungisa Fuzile has been appointed the head of the bank's South African operations.

FirstRand added 4.67 percent to R56.98 and Barclays Africa 5.5 percent to R160.05.

Steinhoff International was down 8.98 percent to R8.92, but Steinhoff Africa Retail gained 6.35 percent to R16.75.

Mr Price climbed 6.34 percent to R219.62, Massmart 5.66 percent to R125.01, and Shoprite 3.48 percent to R223.51.

PPC lost 8.07 percent to R5.81, after ending merger talks with LafargeHolcim, which was PPC's last remaining suitor following withdrawals by CRH, Fairfax and Dangote.

Investment holding company PSG Group recovered 4.83 percent to R250, after losing substantial ground in the wake of the Steinhoff debacle.

Technology group EOH improved 16.62 percent to R64.48.

Naspers ended the day 1.84 percent lower at R3,415.49. Enditem