The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange slipped in trading on Friday and the Junior Market gained as the JSE USD market closed unchanged following a sharp reduction in the volume and value of stocks changing hands falling from the previous day andresulting in prices of 39 shares rose and 35, declined, with Scotia Group hitting new 52 weeks’ high in closing at $46 the largest Main Market rising stock.
At the close of trading on Friday, the JSE Combined Market Index climbed 418.12 points to close at 342,138.51, the All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 1,152.06 points to finish trading at 366,713.88, the JSE Main Index advanced 256.53 points to 329,340.57. The Junior Market Index rose 20.28 points to 3,798.77 and the JSE USD Market Index ended unchanged at 251.01.
At the close of trading, 17,913,688 shares were exchanged in all three markets, down from 24,848,411 units on Thursday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounts to $65.21 million, down from $94.99 million yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 1,000,615 shares for US$122,251 up from 393,307 units at US$18,728 on Thursday.
Main Market trading was led by JMMB 9.5% preference share with 4.66 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.93 million units and Wigton Windfarm with 952,293 stock units.
In the Junior Market, One Great Studio led trading with 1.36 million shares followed by Lasco Distributors with 930,104 units and ONE on ONE Educational with 639,673 stock units.
At the close of the market, the major Main Market stocks that rose are Caribbean Cement popped 95 cents to $54.95, Guardian Holdings rose $2 to close at $369, Jamaica Producers rallied $2.29 in closing at $23.90, Massy Holdings climbed $1.80 to $94.85, Scotia Group popped $5 to $46 and Wisynco Group climbed $1.87 to $22.97.
The major declining Main Market stocks are Barita Investments dropped $1.10 in closing at $70.05, Eppley fell $4.10 to end at $34, Proven Investments dipped 99 cents to end at $22.01, Seprod sank $1.99 to end at $87 and Sygnus Real Estate Finance fell $1 to close at $10.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are Dolphin Cove climbing 80 cents to $19 and ISP Finance gained $10.70 to close at $31, with the major losing stocks being Knutsford Express dropping $1.30 in closing at $11.10 and Main Event sinking 88 cents to close at $15.12.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% skidded $7.40 and ended at $41.90, 138 Student Living preference share increased $3.50 to close at $214.50 and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share rallied $15.60 to end at $119.60.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.3 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
JSE Main Market stocks fall
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Thursday, with the volume of stocks traded declining by 50 percent and the value 41 percent lower than on Wednesday, with trading in 56 securities compared with 59 on Wednesday, leading to prices of 16 stocks rising, 27 declining and 13 ending unchanged.
The market closed trading following 10,815,734 shares being exchanged for $61,998,356 versus 21,834,379 units at $105,407,979 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 193,138 shares at $1,107,114 compared to 370,074 units at $1,786,576 on Wednesday in comparison with January that closed with an average of 265,804 units at $2,438,118.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 4.53 million shares for 41.8 percent of the volume, Transjamaican Highway followed with 2.04 million units for 18.9 percent of the day’s trade and Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.17 million stock units for 10.8 percent of the day’s trade.
The All Jamaican Composite Index sank 266.16 points to settle at 365,561.82, the JSE Main Index rallied 608.95 points to finish at 329,084.04 and the JSE Financial Index increased 0.57 points to wrap up trading at 70.54.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.5. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows seven stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close, Caribbean Cement fell $3 and ended at $54, with 3,278 stocks crossing the market, Caribbean Producers sank 33 cents to $8.45 with a transfer of 46,000 units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rallied $2.01 to close at $40 with investors swapping 2,371 shares. Guardian Holdings declined $3 to end at $367 closing with an exchange of 95 stock units, Jamaica Producers shed $2.39 in closing at $21.61 with investors transferring 14,114 shares, JMMB Group fell $2.03 to $23.97, with 76,199 stocks clearing the market. Massy Holdings popped $3.05 and ended at $93.05 after exchanging 144 units, NCB Financial dipped 51 cents in closing at $66.99 in trading 123,258 stock units, Proven Investments increased 50 cents to close at $23 after a transfer of 2,603 shares. Sagicor Group dropped $1 to end at $43.98 in switching ownership of 291,759 stock units, Scotia Group skidded $1.59 in closing at $41 while exchanging 19,113 stocks, Stanley Motta lost 30 cents to close at $6.50 with investors dealing in 962 units. 
Sterling Investments sank 35 cents to close at $2.20 in an exchange of 1,224 stocks, Supreme Ventures dropped 45 cents and ended at $25, with 133,062 units changing hands, Sygnus Credit Investments climbed 36 cents to end at $11.01 after an exchange of 17,123 shares. Sygnus Real Estate Finance fell 50 cents to $11 after 725 stock units passed through the market and Wisynco Group dipped $1.40 to end at $21.10 with traders dealing in 80,737 shares.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share skidded $3.45 in closing at $19.50, with 300 stock units crossing the market. 138 Student Living preference share rose $18.72 and ended at $211 with an exchange of 19 stocks and Productive Business Solutions 10.5 % preference share shed $125 to close at $1,075 in trading 11 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
The JSE Market fell to start February’s trading
The Main Market index and the JSE USD market index of the Jamaica Stock Exchange eked out gains to start February but the Junior Market slipped at the close of trading on Thursday with market activity and ended with the number of shares and the value changing hands falling below the previous trading day’s levels and ended with 25 shares rising and 44 declining.
At the close of trading, the JSE Combined Market Index rose 258.54 points to close at 341,720.39, the All Jamaican Composite Index sank 266.16 points to 365,561.82, the JSE Main Index popped 608.95 points to conclude trading at 329,084.04. The Junior Market Index declined 35.69 points to 3,778.49 and the JSE USD Market Index popped 1.75 points to cease trading at 251.01.
At the close of trading, 24,848,411 shares were exchanged in all three markets, down from 35,568,273 units on Wednesday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $94.99 million, down from $134.96 million yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 393,307 shares for US$18,728 up from 15,298 units at US$860 on Wednesday.
Main Market trading was dominated by Wigton Windfarm led trading with 4.53 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.04 million units and Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.17 million stocks.
In the Junior Market, Stationery and Office Supplies led trading with 2.92 million shares followed by EduFocal with 2.67 million units, MFS Capital Partners ended with 2.55 million stock units and Lasco Manufacturing with 2.20 million shares.
At the close of the market, the major Main Market stocks rising are Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rallied $2.01 to close at $40, Massy Holdings popped $3.05 and ended at $93.05.
The major declining Main Market stocks include Caribbean Cement that fell $3 and ended at $54, Guardian Holdings declining $3 to end at $367, Jamaica Producers shedding $2.39 in closing at $21.61, JMMB Group losing $2.03 to end at $23.97 and Sagicor Group dropping $1 to end at $43.98. Scotia Group skidded $1.59 in closing at $41 and Wisynco Group dipped $1.40 to end at $21.10 with traders dealing in 80,737 shares.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are AMG Packaging that popped 30 cents and ended at $2.92, Cargo Handlers advancing $1.92 to $14.92 and Main Event which rose 96 cents to end at $16, with major losing stocks being Dolphin Cove down 80 cents to close at $18.20, Fosrich dipping 37 cents in closing at $2.10, MFS Capital Partners skidding 38 cents to $2.32 and Spur Tree Spices that shed 38 cents to $2.50.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share skidded $3.45 in closing at $19.50, 138 Student Living preference share rose $18.72 and ended at $211 and Productive Business Solutions 10.5 % preference share shed $125 to close at $1,075.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 20.7 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.1 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Gains for JSE main index in January
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Wednesday, with the main market index gaining nearly one percent for the year to date after the volume of stocks traded rose 29 percent with a value 55 percent lower than on Tuesday, following trading in 59 securities compared with 53 on Tuesday, with prices of 28 rising, 12 declining and 19 ending unchanged, with three stocks closed at 52 weeks’ highs and one trading at an intraday 52 weeks’ low.
The market closed with 21,834,379 shares being trading for $105,407,979 compared with 16,924,804 stock units at $233,823,266 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 370,074 shares at $1,786,576 compared to 319,336 units at $4,411,760 on Tuesday and month to date, an average of 265,804 stocks at $2,438,118 compared with 260,532 units at $2,471,058 on the previous day and December with an average of 264,266 units at $3,755,946.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 10.87 million shares for 49.8 percent of the total volume followed by JMMB 9.5% preference share with 3.85 million units for 17.6 percent of the day’s trade, Transjamaican Highway chipped in with 1.74 million stock units for 8 percent market share after it close at a 52 weeks’ high of $3.26 and Carreras with 1.53 million shares for 7 percent of total volume.
The All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 4,164.96 points to settle at 365,827.98, the JSE Main Index popped 3,750.40 points to wrap up trading at 328,475.09 and the JSE Financial Index popped 0.53 points to 69.97.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.5. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows eight stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close, Caribbean Cement popped $2.30 in closing at $57 with an exchange of 266,764 stocks, First Rock Real Estate rose 49 cents to $9, with 39,115 stock units crossing the market, Jamaica Broilers popped $1 to close at $34 in an exchange of 43,932 shares. Jamaica Producers rose 80 cents and ended at $24 with 85,569 stock units clearing the market, JMMB Group rallied $2.29 to end at $26 in trading 413,368 shares after hitting an intraday 52 weeks’ low of $23.01, Kingston Properties gained 35 cents to $7.55 after a transfer of 791,913 units. NCB Financial advanced $1 and ended at $67.50 in switching owners for 159,194 stocks, Pan Jamaica rose $1.51 to close at $51.51 after investors ended trading 33,422 stock units, Proven Investments gained 45 cents in closing at $22.50, with 3,444 shares crossing the exchange. Salada Foods sank 31 cents to end at $3.50, with 2,002 units changing hands, Scotia Group popped $2.59 to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $42.59 after an exchange of 80,990 stock units,
Seprod climbed $4.50 and $89 with investors dealing in 30,677 stocks. Supreme Ventures climbed 35 cents to $25.45 while 13,809 shares were traded, Sygnus Real Estate Finance gained $1.25 to end at $11.50 with a transfer of 253 stock units and Wisynco Group rallied 50 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $22.50 after 342,811 stocks passed through the market.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share rose $4.95 to $22.95 with investors transferring 695 units, 138 Student Living preference share fell $25.72 to $192.28 after an exchange of 182 shares and Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% advanced 50 cents and ended at $107 with investors trading 5 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Jamaica Stock Exchange closes higher
The Jamaica Stock Exchange jumped higher to close out the first month of 2024 positively with all three markets rising on Wednesday, as the Main Market and the JSE USD market closed the month higher than they closed at in 2024, the Junior Market ended the month with a minor slippage as trading ended with the number shares exchanged in the overall market climbed, at a reduced value compared with the previous day, after prices of 53 shares rose and only 18 declined.
At the close of the market, the JSE Combined Market Index jumped by 4,021.70 points to 341,461.84 the All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 4,164.96 points to 365,827.98, the JSE Main Index climbed 3,750.40 points to 328,475.09. The Junior Market Index popped 57.59 points to 3,814.18 and the JSE USD Market Index rose 2.46 points to conclude trading at 249.26.
At the close of trading, 35,568,273 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 23,163,225 units on Tuesday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $134.96 million, down from $247.43 million yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 15,298 shares for US$860 compared to 286,861 units at US$30,962 on Tuesday.
Main Market trading was dominated by Wigton Windfarm led trading with 10.87 million shares followed by JMMB 9.5% preference share with 3.85 million units, Transjamaican Highway ended with 1.74 million units and Carreras with 1.53 million units.
In the Junior Market, Fosrich led trading with 3.20 million shares followed by ONE on ONE Educational with 2.72 million units, Stationery and Office Supplies ended with 1.45 million stock units and Derrimon Trading with 1.08 million stocks.
At the close of the market, some of the major Main Market stocks that rose are Caribbean Cement popping $2.30 in closing at $57, Jamaica Broilers climbing $1 to close at $34 and Jamaica Producers rose 80 cents and ended at $24. JMMB Group rallied $2.29 to end at $26, NCB Financial advanced $1 and closed at $67.50, Pan Jamaica rose $1.51 to close at $51.51, Scotia Group popped $2.59 to $42.59, Seprod increased $4.50 and ended at $89 and Sygnus Real Estate Finance advanced $1.25 to end at $11.50.
There were no major declining Main Market stocks on Wednesday.
Stocks with major gains in the Junior Market are Access Financial, which rallied 67 cents to end at $22.67 while Spur Tree Spices rose 40 cents to end at $2.88, with the major losing stock being Cargo Handlers sinking $1.92 and ended at $13.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share rose $4.95 to $22.95 and 138 Student Living preference share fell $25.72 to close at $192.28.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 21.2 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.3 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
JSE Main Market trading cooled on Tuesday
Trading cooled off on Tuesday on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market, with a 43 percent decline in the volume of stocks traded, with the value falling 77 percent below Monday’s level, following trading in 53 securities down from 59 on Monday, with prices of 14 stocks rising, 23 declining and 16 ending unchanged.
The market closed with trading of 16,924,804 shares for $233,823,266 compared with 29,601,305 units at $1,004,348,955 on Monday.
Trading averaged 319,336 shares at $4,411,760 compared with 501,717 units at $17,022,864 on Monday and month to date, an average of 260,532 units at $2,471,058, in comparison with 257,735 units at $2,378,727 on the previous day and December with an average of 264,266 stock units at $3,755,946.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 7.09 million shares for 41.9 percent of the volume, Transjamaican Highway followed with 4.92 million units for 29.1 percent of the day’s trade and GraceKennedy with 2.23 million units for 13.2 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index dipped 1,567.01 points to lock up trading at 361,663.02, the JSE Main Index sank 1,231.12 points to end at 324,724.69 and the JSE Financial Index fell 0.69 points to 69.44.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.5. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows seven stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and one with a lower offer.
At the close, AS Bryden fell 50 cents in closing at $41.50 in an exchange of 4,608 shares, Berger Paints sank 44 cents to $5.57 with investors swapping 430 stocks, Caribbean Cement rose $2.25 to close at $54.70 after an exchange of 6,781 shares. GraceKennedy rallied $1.03 to end at $77.28 after investors ended trading 2,226,574 stock units, Jamaica Broilers popped 50 cents and ended at $33 as investors exchanged 17,660 shares, NCB Financial skidded 50 cents to $66.50 with a transfer of 17,158 stock units. Pan Jamaica lost 30 cents and ended at $50, with 10,100 units clearing the market, 
Proven Investments declined $2.40 to end at $22.05 and closed after 7,815 stocks were traded, Sagicor Group shed 31 cents in closing at $45.19 in trading 4,084 shares. Scotia Group dropped $1.35 to close at $40 after a transfer of 55,961 stocks, Seprod advanced 50 cents to $84.50, with 2,590 units changing hands, Supreme Ventures dipped 40 cents to close at $25.10 with an exchange of 46,328 stock units and Sygnus Credit Investments lost 36 cents to end at $10.65, with 412,910 shares crossing the market.
In the preference segment, 138 Student Living preference share sank $2 in closing at $218 with traders dealing in 9 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Junior Market pushes higher, Main & USD markets slipped
Junior Market stocks pushed higher at the of trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange gained in trading on Tuesday as the Main Market and the JSE USD market slipped with trading ending with the number and the value of stocks that were exchanged fell, sharply compared to the previous day and resulted in 37 shares declining and just 25 rising.
At the close of trading on Tuesday, the JSE Combined Market Index dropped 967.64 points to close at 337,440.14, the All Jamaican Composite Index shed 1,567.01 points to end the day at 361,663.02, the JSE Main Index lost 1,231.12 points to settle at 324,724.69. The Junior Market Index popped 21.35 points to 3,756.59 and the JSE USD Market Index skidded 3.89 points to settle at 246.80.
At the close of trading, 23,163,225 shares were exchanged in all three markets, down from 34,389,476 units on …day, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $247.43 million, down from $1.01 billion yesterday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 286,861 shares for US$30,962 compared to 519,135 units at US$98,529 on Monday.
Main Market trading was dominated by Wigton Windfarm led trading with 7.09 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 4.92 million units and GraceKennedy with 2.23 million units.
In the Junior Market, Image Plus led trading with 1.82 million shares followed by One Great Studio with 400,014 units and Consolidated Bakeries with 380,440 units.
At the close of the market, some of the major Main Market stocks that rose are Caribbean Cement that rose $2.25 to close at $54.70 and GraceKennedy rallying $1.03 to end at $77.28.
The major declining Main Market stocks include Proven Investments declining $2.40 to end at $22.05 and Scotia Group dropping $1.35 to close at $40.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are Access Financial advanced $1.64 to $22 and Cargo Handlers rallied $2.89 to end at $14.92, with the market closing with no major losses.
In the preference segment,138 Student Living was the only preference share with a major price change with the price dropping $2 in closing at $218.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 20.7 on 2022-23 earnings and 14. times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Grace dominated JSE Main Market trading Monday
GraceKennedy dominated trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market on Monday, with nearly 12 million shares for $899 million and pushing the volume of stocks traded by 216 percent and the value 948 percent more than in market activity on Friday, from trading in 59 securities, similar to Friday and ended with prices of 20 stocks rising, 19 declining and 20 ending unchanged.
The market closed with an exchange of 29,601,305 shares for a massive $1,004,348,955, up sharply from just 9,369,749 stock units at $95,805,466 on Friday.
Trading averaged 501,717 shares at $17,022,864 compared with 158,809 units at $1,623,821 on Friday and month to date, an average of 257,735 units at $2,378,727, in comparison to 244,090 stock units at $1,559,766 previously traded and December that closed with an average of 264,266 units at $3,755,946.
GraceKennedy led trading with 11.67 million shares for 39.4 percent of total volume followed by Wigton Windfarm with 4.65 million units for 15.7 percent of the day’s trade, Transjamaican Highway chipped in with 4.23 million units for 14.3 percent market share, Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 2.17 million units for 7.3 percent market share and JMMB 9.5% preference share with 2.0 million units for 6.8 percent of total volume.
The All Jamaican Composite Index climbed 2,972.11 points to finish at 363,230.03, the JSE Main Index rallied 2,680.97 points to wrap up trading at 325,955.81 and the JSE Financial Index rose 0.74 points to lock up trading at 70.13.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.5. The JSE Main and the USD Market PE ratios are based on the last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with their financial year ending around August 2024.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows eight stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close, Caribbean Cement declined 55 cents to finish at $52.45 in switching owners of 20,473 stocks, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund advanced 49 cents and ended at $38 after an exchange of 94 units, First Rock Real Estate sank 30 cents to end at $8.50 with investors trading 88,140 shares. GraceKennedy dipped 75 cents in closing at $76.25, with 11,672,418 stock units crossing the exchange, Jamaica Broilers fell 50 cents to close at $32.50 after a transfer of 106,177 shares, Jamaica Producers popped $1.54 to $23.20 as investors exchanged 102 stock units. JMMB Group skidded 59 cents and ended at $24, with 29,676 units crossing the market, Pan Jamaica increased 30 cents to close at $50.30 while exchanging 12,316 stocks, Proven Investments lost $2.55 to end at $24.45 after trading 1,082 shares. 
Sagicor Group climbed $2.50 in closing at $45.50 in an exchange of 5,238 stock units, Scotia Group rose 85 cents to $41.35, with 42,245 stocks changing hands, Seprod dropped $1.55 in closing at $84 after an exchange of 5,038 units. Supreme Ventures gained $1 to end at $25.50 with investors dealing in 25,008 stocks and Wisynco Group rallied 95 cents and ended at $22 with a transfer of 46,911 shares.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% increased $4.50 to close at $49.50 with investors swapping 100 units, 138 Student Living preference share shed $1.12 to end at $220 after 55 stock units passed through the market, Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share climbed $14 and ended at $104 after closing with an exchange of 840 shares and Sygnus Credit Investments C 10.5% dropped 50 cents to close at $106.50, with 39 stock units crossing the market.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Trading surges to $1 billion on the JSE on Monday
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange maintained its bullish stance in evidence since last October, with another solid gain in trading on Monday and the JSE USD market continues to post fresh 2024 highs, with more gains but the Junior Market slipped for a second day as trading in the overall market jumped sharply higher than Friday following big trades in shares of GraceKennedy that pushed the volume and value of trading sharply higher over Friday as trading ended after prices of 32 shares rose and 31 declined.
At the close of market activity, the Jamaica Stock Exchange Combined Market Index climbed 2,303.01 points to finish the day at 338,407.78, the All Jamaican Composite Index popped 2,972.11 points to close at 363,230.03, the JSE Main Index gained 2,680.97 points to finish at 325,955.81. The Junior Market Index dropped 24.13 points to 3,735.24 and the JSE USD Market Index climbed 3.24 points to 250.69.
At the close of trading, 34,389,476 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 23,219,570 units on Friday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $1.01 billion, up from $125.91 million on Friday and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 519,135 shares for US$98,529 compared with 670,997 units at US$26,968 on Friday.
Main Market trading was dominated by GraceKennedy led trading with 11.67 million shares followed by Wigton Windfarm with 4.65 million units, Transjamaican Highway with 4.23 million stock units, Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 2.17 million units and JMMB 9.5% preference share with 2.0 million units
In the Junior Market, One Great Studio led trading with 1.06 million shares followed by Dolla Financial with 548,477 units and Jetcon Corporation with 301,021 stock units.
At the close of the market, some of the major Main Market stocks that rose are Jamaica Producers popped $1.54 to $23.20, Sagicor Group climbed $2.50 in closing at $45.50, Scotia Group rose 85 cents to $41.35 Supreme Ventures gained $1 to end at $25.50 and Wisynco Group rallied 95 cents and ended at $22.
The major declining Main Market stocks include Proven Investments lost $2.55 to end at $24.45 and Seprod dropped $1.55 in closing at $84.
On a day when there were no notable price gains on the Junior Market, the major losing stocks were Access Financial that fell $3.60 and ended at $20.36, Cargo Handlers skidding $2.87 to close at $12.03, ISP Finance losing $1.99 and ended at $20.30 and Main Event dipping $2 to end at $15.
In the preference segment, Jamaica Public Service 7% increased by $4.50 to close at $49.50, 138 Student Living preference share shed $1.12 to $220, Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share climbed $14 and ended at $104.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 20.7 on 2022-23 earnings and 14.1 times those for 2023-24 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The PE ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, grouped by industry, allowing for easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Investors need pertinent information to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and the more detailed daily report charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
Investors should use the chart to help make rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector and not going too far from it unless there are compelling reasons to do so. This approach helps to remove emotions from investment decisions and place them on fundamentals while at the same time not being too far from the majority of investors. Investors who buy when the price of a stock is close to the average will find that they are not inclined to overpay for a stock.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to quickly assess the value of stocks based on this measure. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends paid or payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume pertaining to the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Positive moves for ICTOP10
At the end of the past week, the Main Market moved within less than one percent for the year’s highest close as the market is showing bullish signs. The junior Market closed the week higher than the close of the previous week but the market closed with the ICInsider.com TOP 10 stocks remaining unchanged.
Two stocks with a notable gain in the Junior Market TOP 10 are Caribbean Cream rising 11 percent to close at $3.79 and Express Catering rose 10 percent to $3.96. AMG Packaging skidded 18 percent to close at $2.60. In the Main Market, there were three stocks with outsize movements. 138 Student Living jumped 19 percent to $4.15 followed by a 13 percent rise respectively for General Accident to $5.35 and Margaritaville to $17.50.
For the full list of percentage changes for the week for the ICTOP10 stocks, check the attached charts that now show a column of the weekly price movements.
The average PE for the JSE Main Market ICTOP 10 stands at 5.2, well below the market average of 13.4 and the Junior Market TOP10 sits at 7.2, just over half of the market, with an average of 13.4
The Main Market ICTOP10 is projected to gain an average of 294 percent by May 2024, based on 2023 forecasted earnings, providing better values than the Junior Market with the potential to gain 181 percent over the same time frame.
In the Main Market ICTOP 10, a total of 14 of the most highly valued stocks representing 29 percent of the Main Market are priced at a PE of 15 to 108, with an average of 32 and 22 excluding the highest PE ratios, and a PE of 25 for the top half and 18 excluding the stocks with overweight values.
In the Junior Market IC TOP10 are 14 stocks, or 29 percent of the market, with PEs ranging from 15 to 48, averaging 21, well above the market’s average. The top half of the market has an average PE of 18, possibly the lowest fair value for stocks, currently.
Of great import is that the averages of both markets are now converging around a PE of 20 for close to a third of the market, as the year is coming to a close and with more information available on the full year’s earnings.
ICTOP10 focuses on likely yearly winners, accordingly, the list includes some of the best companies in the market, but this is not always so. ICInsider.com ranks stocks based on projected earnings, allowing investors to focus on the most undervalued stocks and helping to remove emotions in selecting stocks for investments that often result in costly mistakes.
IC TOP10 stocks will likely deliver the best returns on or around May 2024 and are ranked in order of potential gains, computed using projected earnings for the current fiscal year. Expected values will change as stock prices fluctuate and result in weekly movements in and out of the lists. Revisions to earnings are ongoing, based on receipt of new information.
Persons who compiled this report may have an interest in securities commented on in this report.
