The JSE was flat in midday trade on Friday, but remained jittery having no real indicators to follow amid a holiday in the US, according to a local equities trader.

By 12pm the JSE all share index had gained 0.16 percent, having given up 2.31 percent yesterday. Resources were flat, up 0.05 percent, with gold counters 0.61 percent stronger and platinum miners profiting 1.58 percent.

Banks firmed 0.98 percent, financials picked up 0.85 percent, but industrials were flat, giving up 0.02 percent.

The rand was 7.95 to the dollar from 7.80 when the JSE closed on Thursday. Gold was quoted at $932.40/oz a troy ounce from $927.60/oz at the JSE's last close, and platinum was at $1184.50/oz, from $1181.50/oz, at its previous close.

A local trader said: "The market is a bit jittery at the moment, and could go either way. With the US on holiday, there is no real indicator, but the local index remains wary of other world markets."

Dow Jones Newswires reports that European stocks stayed on the flatline following euro zone retail sales data, which posted a disappointing -0.4 percent month on month decline in May after rising by 0.1 percent in April.

The outcome is weaker than expected, said Newedge Group. "On a year on year basis, euro zone retail sales fell by more than 3 percent in May, suggesting that household spending remains under pressure despite lower inflation and government incentives to boost disposable income," said Newedge.

"We still expect euro zone GDP to contract by 0.7 percent quarter on quarter in 2Q from -2.5 percent in 1Q. However, risks are skewed to the downside, especially if June's seasonal discounts fail to boost consumer spending," added Newedge.

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