Share

Springbok game 'distracts' traders on JSE

South African equities traders have had a busy week, as fears of a global slowdown spurred market tumult.

Friday's session came with an added complication: a big rugby World Cup game in the middle of the day.

The must-win match against Italy at the tournament in Japan for the Springboks drew some traders away from their screens. JSE volumes dropped to less than half their average for the past 20 sessions during the first half of the game.

South Africa rushed to an early lead and won 49-3.

A giant screen in the entrance to the JSE was devoted to the Springboks-Azzuri clash, while the ticker of stock prices that usually runs along the bottom of the display was relegated to a side panel.

About 70 exchange staff, many wearing South African rugby shirts, were enjoying food including "boerewors" rolls provided by caterers. It was a scene that played out at restaurants in Johannesburg's Sandton financial district.

The tone was set earlier in the day when Johannesburg money manager Vestact, which warned in its morning note against phoning its offices during the game as "we will be unable to take your call".

The good news is that a successful tournament for South Africa shouldn't disrupt trading too badly: the quarter-final, semi-final and final will all played at the weekend.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Rand - Dollar
18.89
+0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.84
+0.3%
Rand - Euro
20.38
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Company Snapshot
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE
Government tenders

Find public sector tender opportunities in South Africa here.

Government tenders
This portal provides access to information on all tenders made by all public sector organisations in all spheres of government.
Browse tenders