South Africa
Pressure from gold and platinum equities kept the local bourse subdued on Thursday in what economists described as a technical sell-off. At 19h25, the All Share had lost 0.16%.
United States
US shares were flat on Thursday as investors kept a close eye on developments from the latest US-Sino trade talks amid fears of a decelerating global economy. At 19h30, the Dow Jones futures were flat at 0.01% in the green.
Europe
European shares endured a choppy day of trade on Thursday as reports of new developments in the US-China trade negotiations somewhat lifted markets however, right after the JSE’s close, Brexit deadlocks and the uncertainty thereof weighed heavily on sentiment. At 19h35, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was down by 0.12%.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong shares struggled for direction on Thursday as optimism over progress in the US-China trade negotiations boosted sentiment but declining US Treasury yields trimmed gains that were made in early trade. The Hang Seng ended the day 0.17% in the red.
Japan
Declining US bond yields fueled concerns over a slowdown in the world’s biggest economy, dragging the Nikkei through the mud and putting a dent on cyclical stocks. The Nikkei ended the day 1.61% lower.
Rand
The rand weakened against major global currencies on Thursday taking its cue from a 5% slump in the Turkish lira. At 19h55, the rand traded R14.59 against the dollar.
Precious Metals
Palladium hit its lowest level in five weeks on Thursday as apprehensions over a global economic slowdown and a strong dollar forced investors to take profits. At 20h00, spot gold was trading at $1 290.89 an ounce.
Oil
Oil prices slipped for a second consecutive session on Thursday after US crude inventories surprised on the upside. At 20h05, a barrel of Brent crude was trading at $67.82.
