JSE ends lower amid fears of weaker bond, ratings decisions

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) fell on Friday amid heightened fears over weaker bonds and ratings decisions.

"Weakening of bonds and pending ratings decisions could badly affect investor sentiment," South African Reserve Bank's Deputy Governor Daniel Mminele told the media on Friday in Pretoria.

The all share index fell 0.75 percent to 52,925.75 points at close of the trade, with the blue-chip top 40 dipping 0.73 percent.

The stock losses were evenly spread across the sectors, leaving the all share flat for the week so far. Notwithstanding, resources finished the week on a positive note.

Industrial stocks were the main drag on the all share this week, although there were notable exceptions such as Pioneer Foods which edged up following its better-than-expected trading update earlier in the week.

The big miners were the biggest drag on the market, with Anglo American sliding 4.97 percent at R394,62 despite a jump in the bulk commodity price, but Kumba Iron Ore rose 6.55 percent to R127,00.

Global brewing giant SABMiller was up 1.04 percent to R876 while transport and logistics group Imperial lost 3.27 percent to R149.23.

Barclays Africa slid 2.34 percent to R145.15 while Truworths added 2.6 percent to R107.14.