OREANDA-NEWS. February 20, 2015. South African stocks ended slightly higher on Thursday led by Truworths after the retailer posted an increase in half-year profit.

Truworths jumped 7.26 percent to 87.42 rand, breaking a three-day losing streak, after the fashion retailer said half-year profit inched up 1 percent.

The rally in the stock buoyed other retailers, which have been under pressure in recent months on concerns that consumer spending is diminishing due to high household debt, unemployment and rising energy costs.

No-frills clothes retailer Mr Price climbed 3.92 percent to 261.94 rand and upscale food and clothes retailer Woolworths surged 3.95 percent to 92 rand.

On the downside, Sasol fell 3.6 percent to 429.06 rand, extending its the decline to second day after the petrochemical giant said it was preparing to cut dividend payouts.

The JSE Top-40 index was up 0.54 percent at 46,716 and the broader All-share index added 0.54 percent to 46,716.

Trade was slow, with 170 million shares exchanging hands, above last year's daily average of 183 million shares, according to preliminary bourse data.