STOCKS ended 409 points higher yesterday boosted by a good performance in metals as well as a positive open on Wall Street.

At 5pm the JSE all- share index had gained 1.53%, with resources up 2.77%, platinum producers strengthening by 2.60% and gold miners firming 2.57%. Banks and financials collected 0.77% and 0.83% respectively, and industrials were up 0.52%.

The rand was bid at R7.33/, from R7.47/ when the JSE closed on Friday. Gold was quoted at 1132.85/oz from 1105.97/oz at the JSE’s last close, and platinum was at 1429.50/oz, from 1387.50/oz.

“The market is still on the run with the current trend. The dollar price of metals is quite strong again, especially gold reaching new highs,” a trader said. — I-Net Bridge