The Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) ended firmer on Friday, boosted by superb results from resources giant Anglo American (AGL) and stronger global markets, which in turn were lifted by a soft U.S. employment report.

The all share index ended 1.44 percent stronger at 21,001.68. Resources rallied 2.04 percent and the platinum mining index picked up 1.02 percent, but the gold mining index surrendered 0.77 percent.

Industrials climbed 0.79 percent, while the financial and banks indices were 1.22 percent and 1.05 percent firmer respectively.

The rand was bid at 6.80 per U.S. dollar from 6.86 when the JSE closed on Thursday, while gold was quoted at 650.75 dollars a troy ounce from 645.06 dollars at the JSE's last close.

On the all share index, 91 shares were up, 28 were unchanged and 43 were down. There were 34 advancers on the Top 40 index and only five decliners, while two counters closed flat.

Friday's gains took the JSE 1.3 percent into the black for the week. It is up just over 16 percent for 2006.

Source: Xinhua