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.
Bullishness descending on the JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Friday, with the market exhibiting some bullishness, with several stocks posting sizable gains, with prices of 25 stocks rising, 17 declining and 17 ending unchanged from trading in 59 securities compared with 51 on Thursday, but the volume of stocks changing hands declined 55 percent at a 6 percent greater value than the previous day.
The market closed with 9,369,749 shares trading valued at $95,805,466 compared with 20,842,200 units at $90,178,686 on Thursday.
Trading averaged 158,809 shares at $1,623,821 compared to 408,671 units at $1,768,210 on Thursday and month to date, an average of 244,090 units at $1,559,766 compared to 249,142 units at $1,555,971 on the previous day and December averaging 264,266 units at $3,755,946.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 2.90 million shares for 30.9 percent of the day’s volume followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.44 million units for 26.1 percent of the day’s trade and Sagicor Select Financial Fund with 514,757 units for 5.5 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index advanced 1,200.87 points to conclude trading at 360,257.92, the JSE Main Index rallied 1,549.21 points to finish at 323,274.84 and the JSE Financial Index rose 0.15 points to 69.39.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.4. 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 ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close, AS Bryden lost 99 cents and ended at $42 after a transfer of 15,602 units, Barita Investments increased 80 cents to $71.20 closed with an exchange of 1,437 stocks, Berger Paints climbed 46 cents to end at $6.01 with investors transferring just 485 shares. Caribbean Producers sank 40 cents in closing at $8.25 as 70,764 stock units passed through the market, Eppley rose $1 to close at $38.10 with investors trading 7,120 shares, First Rock Real Estate gained 31 cents to $8.80 after an exchange of 63,060 stock units. Jamaica Producers declined $1.15 to close at $21.66 in trading 13,320 units, Massy Holdings popped $2 to end at $90 with 292,850 stocks changing hands, NCB Financial fell 73 cents in closing at $67.27 with investors dealing in 34,226 shares. Pan Jamaica rallied $3.90 and ended at $50, with 17,066 stocks crossing the market, Proven Investments jumped $5.05 to $27 in switching ownership of 40,412 units, Sagicor Group popped $1 to close at $43 with investors swapping 16,955 stock units.
Scotia Group skidded 96 cents to end at $40.50 with a transfer of 8,633 shares, Seprod climbed $2.05 in closing at $85.55 while trading 2,922 stock units, Stanley Motta increased 55 cents and ended at $7, after hitting an intraday 52 weeks’ high of $8 and ended with 1,030 units crossing the exchange and Supreme Ventures dipped 50 cents to $24.50 with traders dealing in 228,609 stocks.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.25% share shed $1.90 to close at $17 while exchanging 8,250 shares, Eppley 7.75% dropped $4.95 to end at $18, with 1,000 stock units crossing the market. 138 Student Living preference share jumped $28.84 in closing at in closing at a 52 weeks’ high of $221.12 with an exchange of a mere two units, Productive Business Solutions 10.5 % gained $125 and ended at $1,200 with 170 stocks clearing the market and Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% advanced $2 to $107 in an exchange of just two units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Main & JSE USD Market, Juniors drop
The Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange gave back just under a half of the gains posted on Thursday but the Main and the JSE USD markets rallied to close out the day higher than the opening, with the volume of stocks traded rising moderately, with trading ending with the value rising over the previous trading day and the market closed with prices of 39 shares gaining and 33 declining.
At the close of the market, the JSE Combined Market Index climbed 1,085.09 points to 336,104.77, the All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 1,200.87 points to 360,257.92, the JSE Main Index rose 1,549.21 points to 323,274.84. The Junior Market Index fell 42.00 points to 3,759.37 and the JSE USD Market Index popped 3.31 points to end at 247.45.
At the close of trading, 23,219,570 shares were exchanged in all three markets, moderately more than the 23,131,587 units on Thursday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $125.91 million, up from $96.67 million trading on the previous day and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 670,997 shares for US$26,968 compared to 119,808 units at US$30,732 on Thursday.
Main Market trading was dominated by Wigton Windfarm with 2.90 million shares followed by Transjamaican Highway with 2.44 million units and Sagicor Select Financial Fund ending with 514,757 units.
In the Junior Market, Mailpac Group led trading with 4.76 million shares followed by Dolla Financial with 1.45 million units, Stationery and Office Supplies ended with 1.36 million stocks, Regency Petroleum closed with 1.27 million shares and One Great Studio with 1.14 million units.
At the close of the market, some of the major Main Market stocks that rose are Massy Holdings popped $2 to end at $90, Pan Jamaica rallying $3.90 to $50, Proven Investments advancing $5.05 to $27, Sagicor Group popping $1 to close at $43 as Seprod climbed $2.05 in closing at $85.55.
The major declining Main Market stocks include AS Bryden with a loss of 99 cents in ending at $42, Jamaica Producers declining $1.15 to close at $21.66, Scotia Group skidding 96 cents to end at $40.50.
Stocks ending with major gains in the Junior Market are, Caribbean Cream up 34 cents to close at $3.79, Iron Rock Insurance increasing 32 cents and ending at $2.42 and Mailpac Group advancing 25 cents to close at $2.28, the major losing stocks are AMG Packaging dipping 35 cents in closing at $2.60, Dolphin Cove losing 40 cents and ended at $18.60 and Regency Petroleum dropping 23 cents to $2.15.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.25% preference share shed $1.90 to close at $17, Eppley 7.75% dropped $4.95 to end at $18, 138 Student Living preference share rose $28.84 in closing at $221.12, Productive Business Solutions 10.5% gained $125 and ended at $1200 clearing the market with 170 stocks and recently listed Sygnus Credit Investments c10.5% advanced $2 to $107.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to determine the value of stocks, ended at 20.8 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.
Solid gains for JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Thursday, with price movements equally split with 17 stocks between those rising, declining and ending unchanged after a 28 percent plunge in the volume of stocks traded with 9 percent greater value than Wednesday, with trading in 51 securities compared with 52 on Wednesday.
The market closed with an exchange of 20,842,200 shares at $90,178,686 compared with 29,083,191 units at $83,058,622 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 408,671 shares at $1,768,210 compared with 559,292 units at $1,597,281 on Wednesday and trading month to date, averages 249,142 stock units for $1,555,971, compared with 240,532 stocks at $1,544,517 on the previous day and December ending with an average of 264,266 units at $3,755,946.
Transjamaican Highway led trading with 15.64 million shares and closed at a record high of $3.16, with 75 percent of total volume followed by Wigton Windfarm with 2.64 million units for 12.6 percent of the day’s trade and Stanley Motta with 901,971 units for 4.3 percent market share.
The All Jamaican Composite Index rallied 1,622.28 points to conclude trading at 359,057.05, the JSE Main Index climbed 1,118.96 points to conclude trading at 321,725.63 and the JSE Financial Index advanced 0.40 points to wrap up trading at 69.24.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.8. 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 13 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close of the market, AS Bryden rallied $2.49 to close at $42.99, with 1,579 stock units crossing the market, Berger Paints popped 33 cents to $5.55 in an exchange of 2,040 shares, Caribbean Cement advanced $1.74 to end at $53, with 185 stocks crossing the market. First Rock Real Estate rose 49 cents in closing at $8.49 with a transfer of 5 units, General Accident gained 60 cents and ended at $5.35 after an exchange of 20,282 shares, Jamaica Producers fell 77 cents to $22.81 with investors swapping 32 stock units. Kingston Wharves increased 50 cents to end at $27 after a transfer of 2,483 units, Mayberry Group climbed $1.16 in closing at $7.67 with investors trading 6,624 stocks, Pan Jamaica skidded $3.89 and ended at $46.10 after exchanging 41 units. 
Proven Investments rose 45 cents to close at $21.95 with investors dealing in 4,011 stocks, Sagicor Group sank $1.40 to $42, with 50 shares changing hands, Scotia Group advanced $1.46 and ended at $41.46, with an exchange of 40,442 stock units. Seprod declined $3.30 in closing at $83.50 in trading 265,879 shares and Wisynco Group popped 45 cents to end at $20.98 as 21,488 stocks passed through the market.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.25% preference share rallied $2.84 to close at $18.90 as investors exchanged 1,000 units, Jamaica Public Service 7% lost $4.99 to $45 and closed with an exchange of 550 stock units and Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% shares dropped $9.99 to close at $105 while exchanging 1,081 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
