SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

South Africa's bonds rallied on Tuesday and the rand touched a week high against the dollar, both partly supported by data showing a sharply narrower current account gap in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Stocks ended a touch higher in line with global equities but Massmart topped the decliners' list, after the country's antitrust watchdog postponed a hearing into Wal Mart's bid for a controlling stake in the domestic retailer.

Gold Fields, the world's fourth largest listed gold miner, said on Tuesday it was possible the price of bullion may break $1,500 an ounce this year on the back of positive fundamentals.