JSE profits jump 17% in first half

The JSE – Africa’s biggest stock market – reported double-digit growth in earnings and income for the six months ended 30 June 2026 on Tuesday.

Its robust half-year performance was supported by stronger equity market activity, disciplined cost management and broad-based growth across its core business lines.

Net profit after tax increased 16.9% to R652 million, while headline earnings per share surged 18.8% to 816.2 cents. Operating income grew 14.6% to R2 billion and total income increased 15.1% to R1.98 billion.

Read:
In search of deep value on the JSE
Size matters: The growing risks of concentration

ADVERTISEMENT

CONTINUE READING BELOW

The JSE said growth was supported by higher equity market revenues in Capital Markets and Post-Trade Services, while non-trading income increased 8.1% to R659 million.

Net finance income declined by 9.8% to R89 million (2025: R98.7 million). The bourse ascribes the decrease to lower prevailing interest rates on cash balances over the period, notwithstanding a higher average cash position, with rate movements more than offsetting the benefit of the larger balance.

JSE CEO Valdene Reddy, who succeeded Leila Fourie on 1 April this year, said the exchange expanded its data and services offering, maintained disciplined cost management and invested selectively in capabilities that support sustainable long-term growth.

Net cash generated from operations jumped 20.6% to R625 million. At the end of June, the JSE had a cash balance of R1.9 billion, excluding its bond investment of R679 million.

Read/watch:
Sarb holds rates steady at 7%
Special situations create scope for good returns
Valdene Reddy at the helm of Africa’s biggest stock exchange

“This strong cash position provides the flexibility to fund strategic investment to capture future growth opportunities and create sustainable long-term value for shareholders, clients and the broader market ecosystem,” said the JSE.

ADVERTISEMENT:

CONTINUE READING BELOW

In the period under review, the exchange facilitated R8.4 billion in additional capital raised, alongside growth in bond and structured product listings.

“Spread trading on Bond Exchange Traded Products was introduced, broadening the fixed-income product suite and enhancing market functionality for participants.

“Colocation capacity was expanded in response to client demand, reinforcing a strategic infrastructure asset that supports a growing proportion of equity market trading activity,” the JSE said.

By around 1pm on Tuesday, the JSE’s share price rose almost 3% to R153.89. Its shares are up more than 5.5% year-to-date.

#JSE #profits #jump