The JSE started 2013 with a 2.07 percent rise in the all share index on the first day of trade, resulting in a record close of 40,061.75 points. The local bourse was boosted by a deal to avert the US fiscal cliff and positive manufacturing indices in many countries.
"We had a good start to the day with Asia higher after the news on the US fiscal cliff deal. The positive momentum then continued with many countries reporting strong Purchasing Managers, Index (PMI) in December. That sent the heavyweight resource stocks higher," a local equity trader said.
At 5pm local time resources were 4.34 percent higher and gold miners had gained 2.64 percent.
Anglo American (AGL) jumped 6.87 percent to R277.42, while fellow resource stock BHP Billiton (BIL) was up 4.98 percent to R307.49.
Platinum miner Aquarius (AQP) was 11.11 percent stronger at R8.20 and Lonmin (LON) gained 5.11 percent to R40.90.
Gold miner Anglogold Ashanti (ANG) increased by 2.95 percent to R270.09, but construction stock M&R Holdings (MUR) shed 1.82 percent to R24.30.
ArcelorMittal (ACL) leapt 6.94 percent to R38.50 and Exxaro (EXX) rose 3.20 percent to R174.40.
Cement producer PPC (PPC) gained 2.92 percent to R35.20.
Half of the air force’s state-of-the-art Gripen jet fighters have been placed in long-term storage.
The rand slumped on Tuesday after figures showed the current account was worse than first thought.
Workers at Eskom's Medupi are protesting - a day after being back - over a 'return-to-work bonus'.
