JOHANNESBURG, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The local bourse closed firmer on Tuesday as it snapped a five-day losing run after better-than-expected inflation data opened a window of opportunity for the South African Reserve Bank to cut interest rates.
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)'s all share was up 0.35 percent to 58,288.87 and the top 40 added 0.35 percent.
The South Africa's rand extended gains after upbeat inflation report. The local unit traded at R11.94 to the dollar, R14.67 to the euro and R16.73 to the pound.
The Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee meets next week to decide on rates.
Gold and platinum stocks rallied despite weaker underlying metal prices and a stronger South Africa's rand.
Media and internet group Naspers, which is the most expensive share in the all share, rose 1.19 percent to R3,458.84 despite the tech stock sell-off sparked by the Facebook scandal.
Woolworths gained 2.23 percent to R63.28, Mr Price 2.79 percent to R286.28, Truworths 3.65 percent to R106.76, TFG 2.92 percent to R230.54, and Massmart 2.45 percent to R169.09. Enditem
