The JSE closed flat on Friday amid a holiday in the US, taking a lead from European markets, which were mixed but generally flat, according to a local trader.

By its 5pm close, the JSE all share index had gained 0.22 percent, having given up 2.31 percent yesterday. Resources were flat, down 0.25 percent, but gold counters added 0.46 percent and platinum miners profited 1.29 percent.

Banks firmed 0.84 percent, financials picked up 0.39 percent and industrials gained 0.64 percent.

The rand was 7.91 to the dollar from 7.80 when the JSE closed on Thursday. Gold was quoted at $932.95/oz a troy ounce from $927.60/oz at the JSE's last close, and platinum was at $1189/oz, from $1181.50/oz, at its previous close.

A local trader said: "It's been quiet because of the holiday in the US. We have therefore followed markets in Europe, which have been mixed, but generally flat.

"A slightly weaker rand to the dollar has propped up gold and platinum today, but it' a case of waiting for the US to come back on line," the trader said.

Dow Jones Newswires reports that FTSE 100 moved higher, gaining momentum as investors snapped up some bargains following Thursday's grim US employment data inspired losses. Traders added that firmer crude prices offered the index support, with energy and petrochemical stocks posting gains.

Still, a lack of direction due to closed US markets left Friday's gains vulnerable to profit taking, as the grim reality of the weak US labour market hovers over investor sentiment, traders added. No major economic data was expected for the remainder of the session.

On the JSE, Anglo American was flat, up 65 cents to 221.90 rand, but BHP Billiton receded 1.21 rand to 173.09 rand.

Petrochemicals group Sasol was down 2.15 percent to 272.50 rand.

Gold miner AngloGold Ashanti advanced 1.43 percent to 287 rand and Gold Fields added 65 cents to 93.66 rand. Harmony however slipped 2.67 percent to 73 rand. Earlier, the group announced that a fatality had occurred at its Phakisa mine in the Free State.

The group said an autopsy would be conducted to determine the cause of death, which is uncertain at this time.

Platinum miner Anglo Platinum gained 5.15 rand to 535.30 rand and Impala Platinum moved 1.54 percent higher to 171.50 rand.

In diversified miners, African Rainbow lost 2.39 percent to 125.92 rand, with Exxaro slipping 1.99 percent to 76.45 rand and Kumba Iron Ore shedding 178.28 rand.

Metal giant ArcelorMittal weakened 1.90 percent to 93.68 rand.

Elsewhere on the JSE, brewer SABMiller firmed 1.36 percent to 163.80 rand, but Barloworld edged 2.82 percent lower to 37.85 rand.

British AM Tobacco was 2.27 percent to the good at 222.09 rand.

Banking group Standard Bank gave up 12 cents to 88.18 rand, but Nedbank added 1.94 percent to 100 rand and Absa swelled 1.05 rand to 109.60 rand.

Retailer Lewis shed 1.02 percent to 48.50 rand.

Construction group M&R Holdings slipped 3.27 percent to 47.40 rand, but Cashbuild gained 1.53 percent to 66.50 rand.

Among telecommunications groups, MTN Group was flat, up 30 cents to 119.30 rand, Telkom added 1.25 percent to 40.50 rand and Vodacom edged 49 cents higher to 54.50 rand.

Media group Naspers N ended 5.42 percent stronger at 220.06 rand.

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