Trading dipped on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market on Thursday, but the major market indices rose at the close even as declining stocks outnumbered those rising by a decent margin following a 49 percent decline in the volume of stocks traded, with a 22 percent lower value than on Wednesday, after 58 securities were exchanged compared to 59 on Wednesday, with 18 rising, 26 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
A total of 6,869,971 shares were traded for $71,142,724 compared to 13,423,503 units at $91,730,395 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 118,448 shares at $1,226,599, versus 227,517 shares at $1,554,752 on Wednesday and trading month to date, averaged 173,529 stock units at $2,038,988, compared with 178,757 units at $2,116,105 on the previous day. January closed with an average of 205,236 units at $1,805,558.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 1.35 million shares for 19.6 percent of total volume followed by Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.14 million units for 16.5 percent of the day’s trade and Transjamaican Highway with 967,468 units for 14.1 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index climbed 2,499.74 points to 378,926.49, the JSE Main Index advanced 1,644.26 points to end at 334,774.24 and the JSE Financial Index gained 0.41 points to end at 79.61.
The PE Ratio, a formula used to ascertain appropriate stock values, averages 13.6 for the Main Market. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios incorporate earnings forecasted by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows nine stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close, Barita Investments fell 52 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ low of $83.48 after an exchange of 85,628 shares, Caribbean Cement gained 99 cents in closing at $58 as investors traded 33,528 units, Caribbean Producers shed $1 to end at a 52 weeks’ low of $9.50 with 194,040 stocks changing hands. GraceKennedy climbed $2 to $79 after a transfer of 187,063 stock units, Guardian Holdings declined $4 to finish at $506 with the swapping of 40 stock units, Jamaica Broilers rallied $1.97 to close at $31.97 after 9,706 units passed through the market. Jamaica Producers shed $1.79 in ending at $20.06 after trading 6,075 shares, 
JMMB Group advanced $1.60 to $32.30 in switching ownership of 8,541 stocks, Kingston Properties rose 40 cents to $7.40 in exchanging 135,083 units. MPC Caribbean Clean Energy fell $1 to end at $70 with an exchange of 200 shares, NCB Financial advanced $3 to $78 in trading 16,948 stocks, Palace Amusement popped $440 to $2,879 with a transfer of 492 stock units. PanJam Investment fell 60 cents to close at $56.50 with an exchange of 1,120 stocks, Proven Investments lost 45 cents to end at $27.55 as investors swapped 6,091 stock units, Scotia Group rallied $1.22 in closing at $34 with 25,491 shares changing hands. Stanley Motta popped 50 cents to end at $4.50 after 61,156 units crossed the exchange, Supreme Ventures lost 40 cents in closing at $26.10 with investors transferring 14,531 units and Wisynco Group dipped 40 cents to $17.50 trading 353,875 shares.
In the preference segment, Productive Business 10.50% preference share dropped $50 to close at $1,150 with the swapping of 1 stock unit, Eppley 7.25% preference share fell 79 cents to end at $18 after exchanging 3,664 stocks, Jamaica Public Service 7% gained $1 to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $8 after 42 stock units crossed the market. 
JMMB Group 7.15% – 2028 lost 49 cents in closing at $2.51 in switching ownership of 20,011 units, 138 Student Living preference share dropped $6 to settle at $72 after a transfer of 53 stocks and Productive Business Solutions 9.75% preference share dipped $1 to close at $106 with 18 shares changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Five days of decline for Junior
Stocks closed lower for a fifth consecutive day on Thursday on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange after a marginal fall in the market value, with 44 securities trading compared with 46 on Wednesday and ended with 14 rising, 21 declining and 9 closing unchanged following a 40 percent decline in the volume of stocks traded and 35 percent lower value than on Wednesday.
A total of 8,850,328 shares were traded for $28,524,287 compared with 14,651,750 units at $43,936,024 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 201,144 shares at $648,279 compared to 318,516 units at $955,131 on Wednesday, with the month to date averaging 336,926 units at $773,383, compared with 349,451 stock units at $784,923 on the previous day. Trading in January closed with an average of 239,755 units at $646,375.
Image Plus Consultants led trading with 1.36 million shares for 15.3 percent of total volume followed by Derrimon Trading with 1.35 million units for 15.3 percent of the day’s trade, ONE on ONE Educational with 1.01 million units for 11.4 percent and Iron Rock Insurance with 1.0 million units for 11.3 percent market share.
At the close, the Junior Market Index dipped 12.31 points to close at 3,826.11.
The PE Ratio, a measure of use in computing appropriate stock values, averages 11.9. The PE ratios of Junior Market stocks are computed using the last traded stock price in conjunction with ICInsider.com projected earnings for the financial years ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close, AMG Packaging advanced 50 cents in closing at $2.80 after 24,215 shares passed through the market, CAC 2000 rose 70 cents to end at $7.90 in exchanging 7 units, Consolidated Bakeries 
popped 33 cents to settle at $2.53 in trading 500 stocks. Dolphin Cove rallied 20 cents to $14.40 with investors transferring 71,702 stock units, Fosrich lost 9 cents to close at $3.22 with 372,910 stocks changing hands, GWest Corporation fell 19 cents to 90 cents as investors exchanged 172,277 shares. Image Plus Consultants lost 8 cents to end at $1.92 with a transfer of 1,358,099 stock units, Indies Pharma shed 24 cents to finish at $2.56 after 27,301 units passed through the market, Iron Rock Insurance dipped 15 cents in closing at $1.88 in switching ownership of 1,000,138 units. KLE Group shed 34 cents to end at $1.74 with the swapping of 35,525 stocks, Knutsford Express gained 75 cents in ending at $11.10 after trading 550,415 stock units, Lasco Distributors fell 25 cents to $2.60 in switching ownership of 5,538 shares. Lasco Manufacturing dipped 20 cents to $4 after exchanging 79,211 stock units, 
Limners and Bards declined 21 cents to close at $2.68 with a transfer of 554 shares, Lumber Depot shed 15 cents in closing at $2.15 with 14,663 units changing hands and Spur Tree Spices rose 14 cents to end at $2.89 trading 311,246 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
JSE Main Market rise, Junior Market slips
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange and the JSE USD Markets climbed at the close of trading on Thursday, while the Junior Market slipped slightly with trading levels falling from Wednesday levels.
Overall, 17,225,087 shares were traded in all three markets, down from 28,178,840 units on Wednesday, valued at just $99.67 million, down from $135.66 million on the previous day. Trading on the JSE USD market resulted in investors exchanging shares traded for US$39,278 versus US$21,729 on Wednesday.
The JSE Combined Market Index gained 1,417.35 points to 347,409.60, the All Jamaican Composite Index climbed 2,499.74 points to close at 378,926.49, the JSE Main Index rose 1,644.26 points to end at 334,774.24, the Junior Market shed 12.31 points to close at 3,826.11 and the JSE USD Market Index rose 3.67 points to end at 253..80
The market’s PE ratio ended at 20.4 based on 2021-22 earnings and 13.2 times those for 2022-23 at the close of trading.
Investors need pertinent information to successfully navigate many investment options in the local 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 investment decisions by 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 put in 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 ICInsider.com PE Ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. It shows companies grouped on an industry basis, allowing easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to assess the value of stocks based on this measure quickly. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices. Dividends payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts that show the closing volume for the bids and offers.
The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2021 and 2022 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items. The PE Ratio is the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks.
Trading climbs in JSE USD Market
The Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market ended on Wednesday, with the volume of stocks changing hands surging 759 percent with a 177 percent higher value than on Tuesday, resulting in six securities traded, compared to 10 on Tuesday with two rising, two declining and two ending unchanged.
A total of 103,587 shares were exchanged for US$21,729 compared to 12,060 units at US$7,847 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 17,265 units at US$3,622, compared with 1,206 shares at US$785 on Tuesday, with a month to date average of 37,388 shares at US$2,226 compared with 39,113 units at US$2,107 on the previous day. January ended with an average of 48,604 units for US$4,865.
The JSE USD Equities Index lost 0.35 points to end at 250.13.
The PE Ratio, a measure used in computing appropriate stock values, averages 10.3. The PE ratio uses ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows one stock ended with a bid higher than the last selling price and three with lower offers.
At the close, First Rock Real Estate USD share dropped 0.48 of a cent after ending at 7 US cents as 6,000 shares were traded, 
Proven Investments added 0.01 of a cent to close at 19 US cents after exchanging 93,977 stock units, Sygnus Credit Investments USD share ended at 10 US cents with the swapping of 337 stocks.
In the preference segment, Eppley 6% preference share lost 5 cents in closing at US$1.10 with a transfer of 84 units, JMMB Group 5.75% popped 3 cents to end at US$2, with 139 shares crossing the market and JMMB Group 6% remained at US$1, with 3,050 stock units changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Trading jumps on JSE Main Market
The Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market closed on Wednesday with a 151 percent rise in the volume of stocks traded, valued 207 percent more than on Tuesday, following trading in 59 securities compared to 53 on Tuesday, and leading to prices of 20 rising, 25 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
A total of 13,423,503 shares were exchanged for $91,730,395 versus 5,344,520 units at $29,834,911 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 227,517 units at $1,554,752 up from 100,840 shares at $562,923 on Tuesday and month to date, an average of 178,757 units at $2,116,105 compared with 173,546 units at $2,176,105 on the previous day. January closed with an average of 205,236 units at $1,805,558.
Stanley Motta led trading with 3.13 million shares for 23.3 percent of total volume followed by Sagicor Select Manufacturing & Distribution Fund with 3.02 million units for 22.5 percent of the day’s trade, Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 1.91 million units for 14.3 percent market share, Wigton Windfarm with 1.48 million units for 11 percent and Jamaica Broilers with 1.17 million units for 8.7 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index dived 4,989.03 points to 376,426.75, the JSE Main Index fell 3,607.32 points to 333,129.98 and the JSE Financial Index shed 1.42 points to end at 79.20.
The PE Ratio, a formula to ascertain appropriate stock values, averages 13.5 for the Main Market. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios incorporate earnings forecasted by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows six stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and one stock with a lower offer.
At the close, Berger Paints fell $1.79 in closing at a 52 weeks’ low of $7.51 with 1,606 shares clearing the market, Caribbean Cement dipped 49 cents to t $57.01 with investors transferring 32,236 stock units, Jamaica Broilers declined $3 to $30 after trading 1,166,690 stocks but only after trading at an intraday high of $34. 
Jamaica Producers rose $1.85 to end at $21.85 after exchanging 24,713 units, Jamaica Stock Exchange shed 90 cents in ending at $14 with a transfer of 40,399 stocks, JMMB Group fell $1.80 to close at a 52 weeks’ low of $30.70 in switching ownership of 70,187 units. Mayberry Investments lost 49 cents to end at $7.81 with 15,904 stock units changing hands, NCB Financial declined $3.30 to finish at $75 as investors exchanged 17,727 shares, Palace Amusement advanced $39 in closing at $2,439 with the swapping of 235 stock units. Scotia Group fell $1.72 to $32.78 exchanging 25,898 shares, Seprod gained $1.50 to settle at $67 in trading 4,464 stocks, Sygnus Real Estate Finance rallied 95 cents to close at $10 in an exchange of 200 units and Victoria Mutual Investments lost 40 cents to end at $4 in switching ownership of 162,668 units.
In the preference segment, Eppley 5% preference share popped $4.78 ending at $22 with 33 stock units crossing the market and JMMB Group 7.25% preference share rose 47 cents in closing at $3.58 with an exchange of 30 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Junior Market falls on Wednesday
Trading climbed on the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Wednesday with the volume of stocks traded rising 19 percent and valuing 13 percent more than on Tuesday, from the trading in 46 securities compared with 38 on Tuesday and ended with 13 rising, 19 declining and 14 closing unchanged, while two stocks closed at 52 weeks’ low and two traded at 52 weeks’ intraday low.
A total of 14,651,750 shares were traded for $43,936,024, up from 12,292,679 units at $38,830,902 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 318,516 shares at $955,131 compared with 323,492 units at $1,021,866 on Tuesday with the month to date averaging 349,451 units at $784,923 compared with 352,752 stock units at $766,757 on the previous day. January closed with an average of 239,755 units at $646,375.
JFP Ltd led trading with 4.55 million shares for 31 percent of total volume followed by Fontana with 1.54 million units for 10.5 percent of the day’s trade, Dolla Financial with 1.31 million units for 9 percent market share, Derrimon Trading with 1.23 million units for 8.4 percent and Image Plus Consultants with 1.19 million units for 8.1 percent market share.
At the close, the Junior Market Index shed 8.36 points to end at 3,838.42.
The PE Ratio, a measure of computing appropriate stock values, averages 12. The PE ratios of Junior Market stocks use the last traded stock price in conjunction with ICInsider.com projected earnings for the financial years between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows seven stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and six with lower offers.
At the close, AMG Packaging shed 46 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ low of $2.30 with an exchange of 68,761 shares, Blue Power traded 31,980 shares and closed at a 52 weeks’ low of $2.46 after slipping 6 cents, Cargo Handlers rose $2.01 to $14.99 in switching ownership of 1,205 stock units, Caribbean Cream gained 20 cents to end at $3.30 with the swapping of 20,000 units. 
Consolidated Bakeries dipped 26 cents to $2.20 in transferring 17,635 stocks, Fosrich popped 8 cents in closing at $3.31 after trading 180,199 stocks, Future Energy Source lost 10 cents after ending at $4.65 with a transfer of 181,272 shares. General Accident shed 36 cents to close at $4.10 with 22,000 units crossing the exchange, GWest Corporation gained 11 cents to close at $1.09 with investors trading 1,157 stock units, Honey Bun advanced 44 cents to $7.45 after trading 18,696 shares. Iron Rock Insurance dipped 14 cents in closing at $2.03 with 18,263 stock units changing hands, JFP Ltd lost 9 cents to end at $1.66 in exchanging 4,546,622 stocks, Lasco Financial closed at $2.50 after hitting a 52 weeks’ intraday low of $2.01 and trading 58,400 shares, Lasco Distributors rallied 32 cents in closing at $2.85 with an exchange of 97,521 units. 
Lasco Manufacturing popped 14 cents to close at $4.20 with the swapping of 9,986 units, Main Event fell 90 cents to $9.10 after a transfer of 193,929 stocks, Spur Tree Spices traded 423,831 shares in closing at $2.75, but after trading at a 52 weeks’ intraday low of $2.69 and Stationery and Office Supplies declined 89 cents to $14.51 in trading 28,267 shares.
In the preference segment, CAC 2000 9.5% preference share gained 11 cents to end at $1.18 as investors exchanged 201 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Slippage for all JSE Markets
The Main Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange dropped at the close of trading on Wednesday, while the Junior Market and the JSE USD Market slipped slightly at the close with trading levels rising above that on Tuesday.
An overall volume of 28,178,840 shares changed hands in all three markets, up from 17,649,259 units on Tuesday, valued at just $135.66 million, up from $68.66 million on the previous day. Trading on the JSE USD market resulted in an exchange of shares traded for US$21,729 versus US$7,847 on Tuesday.
The JSE Combined Market Index fell 3,438.15 points to 345,992.25, the All Jamaican Composite Index fell 4,989.03 points to 376,426.75, the JSE Main Index shed 3,607.32 points to 333,129.98, the Junior Market shed 8.36 points to end at 3,838.42 and the JSE USD Market Index dipped 0.35 points to 250.13.
The market’s PE ratio ended at 20.2 based on 2021-22 earnings and 13.1 times those for 2022-23 at the close of trading.
Investors need pertinent information to successfully navigate many investment options in the local 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 investment decisions by 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 put in 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 ICInsider.com PE Ratio chart covers all ordinary shares on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. It shows companies grouped on an industry basis, allowing easy comparisons between the same sector companies and the overall market.
The net asset value of each company is reported as a guide to assess the value of stocks based on this measure quickly. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices. 
Dividends payable and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts that show the closing volume for the bids and offers.
The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2021 and 2022 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items. The PE Ratio is the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks.
Junior Market drops as stocks mostly fall
The Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange slipped further on Tuesday following the volume of stocks traded declining 83 percent following a 66 percent decline in value compared to Monday with 38 securities trading versus 44 on Monday and ended with 14 rising, 20 declining and four closing unchanged.
Investors traded 12,292,679 shares for $38,830,902 versus 73,141,898 units at $113,341,861 on Monday.
Trading averaged 323,492 shares at $1,021,866 compared with 1,662,316 units at $2,575,951 on Monday with the month to date averaging 352,752 units at $766,757 compared to 355,581 stock units at $742,090 on the previous day. Trading in January averaged 239,755 units at $646,375.
MFS Capital Partners was the leading trade, with 3.42 million shares for 27.8 percent of total volume followed by Spur Tree Spices with 3.13 million units for 25.5 percent of the day’s trade and Image Plus Consultants with 808,689 units for 6.6 percent market share.
At the close, the Junior Market Index dropped 47.70 points to end at 3,846.78.
The PE Ratio, a measure of computing appropriate stock values, averages 11.9. The PE ratios of 
Junior Market stocks are computed using the last traded stock price in conjunction with ICInsider.com’s projected earnings for the financial years ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close, AMG Packaging dipped 26 cents to $2.76 in an exchange of 5,186 shares, Cargo Handlers fell $1.92 to $12.98 after trading 243,264 stock units, Consolidated Bakeries gained 26 cents to close at $2.46 after 2,024 units crossed the market. Dolphin Cove rallied 20 cents to finish at $14.20 in transferring 3,450 stock units, EduFocal gained 12 cents in closing at $2.15 with an exchange of 35,124 units, Everything Fresh rose 16 cents to $1.36 with 38,441 shares changing hands. Fosrich lost 19 cents in closing at $3.23 in switching ownership of 268,928 stocks, 
Honey Bun fell 29 cents to $7.01 as investors exchanged 7,789 stock units, Indies Pharma shed 16 cents to close at $2.74 after trading 2,001 stock units. Iron Rock Insurance dipped 22 cents to end at $2.17 with 27,038 units changing hands, Knutsford Express declined 65 cents to $10.35 with 20,156 stocks clearing the market, Lasco Manufacturing fell 16 cents to $4.06 in trading 40,033 shares. Limners and Bards gained 14 cents to end at $2.89 with an exchange of 320,192 stocks, Medical Disposables popped 35 cents in closing at $4.85 with a transfer of 201 stock units, MFS Capital Partners shed 15 cents to settle at $3.79 in switching ownership of 3,415,569 units. 
ONE on ONE Educational lost 9 cents in ending at $1.16 with the swapping of 778,380 shares and Tropical Battery gained 8 cents to close at $2.41 after trading 160,166 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Main Market stocks gains
Trading activity on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Tuesday with a 53 percent fall in the volume of stocks traded with the value ending 88 percent lower than on Monday following trading in 53 securities compared to 57 on Monday, with 22 rising, 18 declining and 13 ending unchanged.
A total of 5,344,520 shares were exchanged for a mere $29,834,911 compared with 11,450,226 units at $243,197,157 on Monday.
Trading averaged 100,840 units at $562,923 versus 200,881 shares at $4,266,617 on Monday and month to date, an average of 173,546 units at $2,176,105 compared to 181,268 units at $2,347,445 on the previous day. Trading in January closed with an average of 205,236 units at $1,805,558.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 2.0 million shares for 37.4 percent of total volume followed by Transjamaican Highway with 1.30 million units for 24.2 percent of the day’s trade and Carreras with 511,278 units for 9.6 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index advanced 2,011.35 points to 381,415.78, the JSE Main Index rose 1,590.42 points to end at 336,737.30 and the JSE Financial Index gained 0.42 points to close at 80.62.
The PE Ratio, a formula to ascertain appropriate stock values, averages 13.6 for the Main Market. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios incorporate earnings forecasted by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
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, Berger Paints fell 60 cents to close at $9.30 trading 6,512 shares, Caribbean Cement shed 50 cents to end at $57.50 with a transfer of 3,192 units, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rallied $6 in closing at $48 after 408 stock units passed through the market. Jamaica Broilers rose 50 cents to close at a 52 weeks’ high of $33 with an exchange of 109,861 stocks, Jamaica Stock Exchange popped 65 cents to finish at $14.90 after trading 15,826 units, 
JMMB Group rallied 50 cents to $32.50 with 43,177 shares crossing the exchange. Palace Amusement climbed $75 to $2,400 in transferring 61 stock units, Sagicor Group lost 40 cents to settle at $53.10 after 14,875 stocks changed hands, Scotia Group advanced 50 cents to $34.50 with the swapping of 9,074 shares. Seprod gained 50 cents to close at $65.50 after investors traded 12,402 stocks, Stanley Motta dipped 51 cents to end at $4.31 closed with 1,888 stock units changing hands and Wisynco Group gained 53 cents in closing at $17.78 in switching ownership of 115,243 units.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.75% preference share advanced $2 to close at $20 as investors exchanged 55 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Sharp jolt to JSE USD Market
A sharp push was given to the Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market on Tuesday, even as the volume of stocks changing hands declined 94 percent as the value rose 17 percent over Monday, resulting in 10 securities traded, compared to six on Monday and ended with five rising, one declining and four ending unchanged as the JSE USD Equities Index surged 19.96 points to end at 250.48.
Overall, just 12,060 shares were traded for US$7,847 compared to 189,439 units at US$6,710 on Monday.
Trading averaged 1,206 units at US$785, compared to 31,573 shares at US$1,118 on Monday, with a month to date average of 39,113 shares at US$2,107 compared with 45,431 units at US$2,327 on the previous day. January ended with an average of 48,604 units for US$4,865.
The PE Ratio, a measure used in computing appropriate stock values, averages 10.4. The PE ratio uses ICInsider.com earnings forecasts for companies with financial years ending between November 2022 and August 2023.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows one stock ended with bids higher than the last selling price and two with lower offers.
At the close, First Rock Real Estate USD share rose 0.48 of a cent in closing at 7.48 US cents with investors transferring 347 shares, Margaritaville popped 2.98 cents to close at 12.99 US cents with 30 units changing hands, Productive Business Solutions advanced 30 cents to end at US$2.20 after trading two stocks. 
Proven Investments rallied 0.46 of a cent to 18.99 US cents after exchanging 4,680 stock units, Sterling Investments ended at 1.99 US cents in trading 196 shares, Sygnus Credit Investments USD share remained at 10 US cents, with 167 stocks crossing the market and Sygnus Real Estate Finance USD share remained at 8.5 US cents and closed with 1,526 stock units changing hands.
In the preference segment, Productive Business 9.25% preference share shed 89 cents to close at US$11.11 in an exchange of 161 units, after trading at an intraday 52 weeks’ high of US$14.10, Equityline Mortgage Investment preference share ended at US$1.64 with the transfer of one stock and JMMB Group 6% climbed 1.98 cents in closing at US$1 in switching ownership of 4,950 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
