The FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rose 238.34, or 0.8 percent, to 32,109.93 by 12:51 p.m. in Johannesburg.
The following are among the most active stocks in the South African market today.
Anglo American Plc (AGL) , the diversified mining company that makes up 10 percent of the benchmark stock index, rose for the first day in four, adding 4 rand, or 1.2 percent, to 330 rand. Copper for three month delivery gained as much as 1.4 percent to $9,826 a metric ton on the London Metal Exchange ahead of a U.S. housing report that economists say will show a second monthly gain.
BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) , the world’s largest mining company, added 3.54 rand, or 1.4 percent, to 260.04 rand.
AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ANG) , Africa’s largest gold producer, rose to its strongest in more than two months, adding 5.02 rand, or 1.6 percent, to 319.02 rand. Gold rallied for a 12th day, gaining to $1,610.10.
Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HAR SJ), Africa’s third-largest gold producer, advanced 1.22 rand, or 1.2 percent, to 100.88 rand, heading for its highest close since April 21.
FirstRand Ltd. (FSR) , South Africa’s second-largest banking group, gained 18 cents, or 0.9 percent, to 19.65 rand. Analysts and investors expect the group to pay a special dividend following the 4 billion-rand ($570 million) sale of one of its insurance units.
Micromega Holdings Ltd. (MMG) , an investment company with interests ranging from lubrication equipment to financial services, headed for its highest close in more than three months, adding 4 cents, or 2.6 percent, to 1.59 rand. Profit rose 64 percent to 14.7 million rand in the six months through June, the group said in a regulatory statement.
Woolworths Holdings Ltd. (WHL SJ), a South African food and clothing retailer, headed for its highest close in more than 13 years, rising 1.18 rand, or 3.8 percent, to 32.03 rand. Fiscal full-year profit rose as much as 30 percent, the group said in a trading update.
To contact the reporter on this story: Stephen Gunnion in Johannesburg at sgunnion@bloomberg.net
To contact the editor responsible for this story: Gavin Serkin at gserkin@bloomberg.net
