Absa advances in H1 as JSE ends little changed despite Nedbank warning

The JSE All Share rose 0.10% to 116,828.14 points and the Top 40 added 0.13% to 109,534.57, with banking headlines setting the tone. Absa posted a 4% rise in H1 2026 revenue, an 8% increase in headline earnings and said it expects its annual CET1 ratio at the top end of its board target range, according to Africa Business Communities, FXLeaders and TradingView, while The Africa Report says it booked a $15.5 million dividend ahead of a higher stake in its Kenya unit. Nedbank will not replace COO Nkuhlu in a leadership shake-up, according to Bizcommunity, while Novus Press Bulletin reports the bank warned South Africa's economic recovery is losing momentum. On the market side, the JSE expanded its actively managed ETF segment with a new income-focused listing, according to Africa Business Communities, while Moneyweb reports Nedbank CIB helped structure Harmony's $1.25 billion financing for international growth.