South African stocks rise

South Africa’s FTSE/JSE Africa All Share Index rose 191.10, or 0.8 percent, to 24,258.51. The measure added 1.3 percent this week, bringing its gain for the month to 10 percent.

The following are among the most active stocks in the South African market today.

Accentuate Ltd. (ACE SJ) fell 9 cents, or 20 percent, to 35 cents, the biggest decline in eight months. The provider of cleaning products said annual earnings per share fell as much as 75 percent from a year earlier.

Anglo American Plc (AGL SJ) rose for a second day, increasing 2.93 rand, or 1.2 percent, to 249.68 rand. The owner of stakes in the world’s biggest diamond and platinum producers boosted its defenses against a $40 billion merger proposal from rival Xstrata Plc by beating analyst forecasts for first-half profit.

AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ANG SJ) advanced 3.40 rand, or 1.2 percent, to 296 rand, paring its loss this week to 3.2 percent. Africa’s largest producer of the metal posted a better-than- expected profit in the second quarter and said it is reducing forward sales at a faster rate than originally planned.

Aquarius Platinum Ltd. (AQP SJ) fell 39 cents, or 1.2 percent, to 32 rand. The platinum producer said fourth-quarter attributable production was little changed at 98,258 ounces.

Sasol Ltd. (SOL SJ), the world’s biggest maker of motor fuel from coal, gained 6 rand, or 2.2 percent, to 278 rand, extending yesterday’s 1.6 percent rise. Crude oil for September delivery climbed for a second day, advancing as much as 1.9 percent to $68.21 a barrel.

Source: Bloomberg