* Benchmark blue-chip Top-40 index up 0.66 percent
* All-Share index closes up 0.61 pct
JOHANNESBURG, April 25 (Reuters) – South African stocks
edged up on Wednesday in thin trade with resource firms
including platinum producer Lonmin leading the charge
on expectations demand may pick up in China.
Shares of AngloGold Ashanti, Africa’s largest gold
producer, ended a five-session drubbing to post a 1.98 percent
gain, closing at 260.57 rand.
“Resources had a bit of a bounce today. Industrial
production out of China was better than forecast,” said Andrew
Flavell, a trader from Consilium Capital SA.
The benchmark blue-chip Top-40 index rose 0.66
percent to 30,021.05, while the broader All-Share index
closed up 0.61 percent higher at 34,028.81.
Shares of Lonmin gained 2.73 percent to 129.04 rand on the
JSE. Lonmin’s primary listing is in London.
Richemont, the maker of Cartier and Mont Blanc
luxury watches, extended gains to close 2.9 percent firmer at
48.61 rand. Data showed on Tuesday that Swiss watch exports rose
by nearly 19 percent last month, buoyed by strong Asian demand.
Richemont is also listed in Switzerland.
Continued…
