JSE closes firmer as market awaits news on Zuma's future

JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) closed firmer on Monday signalling a degree of confidence that the national executive committee of African National Congress meeting will finalize President Jacob Zuma's future as leader of the country.

The South African rand broke through 12 to the U.S. dollar on Monday and reached a 11.92, before weakening marginally.

The local unit traded at R11.95 to the greenback, R14.72 to the euro and R16.61 to the pound at 5:00 p.m.

The JSE Top 40 index ended the day up 0.52 percent while the broader all share index added 0.54 percent to 56,206.76.

The industrials index gained 0.82 percent, the financials index climbed 0.67 percent, but the resources index lost 0.37 percent.

Resilient slumped 7.42 percent to R99.01, Nepi Rockcastle 8.67 percent to R126.95.

Investment group Remgro rose 3.05 percent to R222.85 but Reinet dropped 2.03 percent to R242.33.

Kumba Iron Ore was up 3.33 percent to R341.75, Assore 2.44 percent to R300.4 and African Rainbow Minerals 1.97 percent to R137.96.

AngloGold Ashanti lost 1.72 percent to R117.42.

Pressure continued to build on Steinhoff, with its shares dropping another 6.57 percent to R5.55.

Massmart rose 1.56 percent to R135.53.

Old Mutual gained 1.34 percent to close at R38.51 per share, while Naspers ended the day 1.82 percent firmer.

Capitec Holdings gained 2.55 percent to close at R831.32, and Woolworths and Bidvest advanced 2.05 percent and 0.95 percent respectively. Sibanye-Stillwater added 0.16 percent to R12.25.

Vodacom gained 1.82 percent to R161.82 and MTN 0.87 percent to R126. Enditem