Trading on the main and US dollar markets on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Wednesday resulted in 32 securities changing hands, with prices of 17 rising, 8 declining with 7 remaining unchanged, compared to 35 securities trading on Tuesday.
In spite of the 2 to 1 advance decline ratio, the All Jamaican Composite Index dropped 3,201.65 points to 402,772.08 and the JSE Index declined 2,913.92 points to close at 366,982.26.
Market activity ended with 2,377,501 units valued at $106,372,860 compared to 2,311,810 units valued at $51,353,169, changing hands, on Tuesday.
Kingston Wharves led trading with just 449,369 units for 19 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Carreras with 300,715 units accounting for 12.7 percent of the volume changing hands and NCB Financial with 296,945shares and 12.5 percent of the day’s volume.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator ending with the reading showing 12 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
An average of 81,983 units valued at over $3,668,030, in contrast to 67,994 units valued at over $1,510,387 on Tuesday. 
The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 85,472 units valued at $2,413,525 compared to 85,685 units valued at $2,331,954, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Barita Investments rose by 50 cents to end at $51.50, with the trading of 51,266 stock units, Caribbean Cement dropped $2 trading 13,322 shares, to close at $40, Grace Kennedy recovered the $2.65 it lost on Tuesday, in trading 88,657 stock units to close at $58.75. Jamaica Broilers rose 42 cents and finished trading 34,548 units at $28.48, JMMB Group concluded trading of 106,866 shares at $32, with a gain of 97 cents, Kingston Wharves dropped $5 to finish at $70, in trading 449,369 stock units, NCB Financial Group traded 296,945 shares and lost 40 cents in closing at $144.60. 138 Student Living finished the trading of 229,350 shares with a fall of 30 cents to close at 52 weeks’ low of $2.50, PanJam Investment shed 50 cents to close at $71, with 14,375 units changing 
hands. Sagicor Group regained 99 cents to settle at $39, in trading of 89,867 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund gained 49 cents ended trading of 15,340 shares at $10.60, Salada Foods jumped $2 to a new high in trading 100 shares to close at $37. Seprod gained 23 cents and ended at $31.43 with an exchange of 50,639 shares and Wisynco Group rose 30 cents and finished at $10.10, trading 237,151 units.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in 35,244 shares changing hands. JMMB concluded trading of 12,133 units at US$1.05, Margaritaville ended trading and increased by 2 cents to complete trading of 275 shares at 22 US cents and Proven Investments rose 0.01 cent having traded 22,836 shares to close at 22 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index gained 1.20 points to close at 167.05.
Trading down on main market – Tuesday
Main market volume contracts.
The number of securities rose but the volume and valued fell well below Monday’s levels, in trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Tuesday.
The main and US dollar markets, had 35 securities changing hands, with prices of 6 rising, 16 declining with 13 remaining unchanged, compared to 33 securities trading on Monday. At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index fell 66.59 points to close at 405,973.73 and the JSE Index declined by 60.60 points to 369,896.18.
Market activity ended with 2,311,810 units valued at over $51,353,169 compared to 4,336,558 units valued at $78,388,229, changing hands, on Monday. Stanley Motta led trading with just 284,016 units for 12 percent of the day’s volume, followed by 138 Student Living with 211,874 units accounting for 9 percent of the volume changing hands and Kingston Properties with 194,545 shares and 8.4 percent of the day’s volume.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 12 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
An average of 67,994 units valued at over $1,510,387, in contrast to 144,552 shares valued at $2,612,941 on Monday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 85,685 units valued at $2,331,954 compared to 87,049 units valued at $2,399,754, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Berger Paints rose by $2 to end at $19.50, with the trading of 1,000 stock units, Caribbean Cement gained $2 trading 11,935 shares, to close at $42, Grace Kennedy lost $2.65 in trading 31,030 stock units to close at $56.10, Jamaica Broilers lost 94 cents and finished trading 78,704 units at $28.06. JMMB Group concluded trading of 77,772 shares at $31.03, with a fall of 97 cents, Kingston Properties lost 50 cents and finished at $6, in 
trading 194,545 stock units, 138 Student Living finished trading 211,874 shares with a fall of 75 cents to close at 52 weeks’ low of $2.80. PanJam Investment shed 50 cents to close at $71, with 14,375 units changing hands. Sagicor Group fell 99 cents to settle at $38.01, in trading of 5,452 shares, Scotia Group traded 12,745 shares after losing 50 cents to close at $51.90. Seprod gained 40 cents and ended at $31.20 with an exchange of 29,427 shares and Supreme Ventures lost $1 in concluding trading of 135,592 stock units at $19.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in Sygnus Credit Investments trading 18,161 shares at 8 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index fell by 0.12 points to close at 165.85.
Drop for JSE main market – Monday
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Monday, resulted in another day of decline in the two main market indices, but the volume and value of stocks trading, dropped sharply than the elvesl on Friday.
At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index fell 1,946.42 points to close at 406,040.32 and the JSE Index declined by 1,771.50 points to 369,956.78.
The main and US dollar markets, had 33 securities changing hands, with prices of 9 rising, 15 declining with 9 remaining unchanged, compared to 30 securities trading on Friday.
Market activity ended with 4,336,558 units valued at $78,388,229 compared to 6,892,345 units valued at $205,088,843, changing hands, on Friday.
Radio Jamaica led trading with 1,783,056 units for 41 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Pulse Investments with 699,604 units accounting for 16 percent of the volume changing hands and Sagicor Real Estate Fund with 306,096 units and 7 percent of the day’s volume.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator ended with the reading showing 18 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 2 closing with lower offers.
An average of 144,552 units valued at over $2,612,941, in contrast to 246,155 shares valued at $7,324,602 on Friday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 87,049 units valued at $2,399,754 compared to 82,851 units valued at $2,383,011, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Berger Paints lost $2.50 and ended at $17.50, with the trading of 10,398 stock units, Caribbean Cement dropped $7 trading 10,398 shares, to close at $40, Grace Kennedy rose 25 cents in trading 37,686 shares at $58.75, Jamaica Producers lost 80 cents and closed at $22.20, with 57,504 shares changing hands. NCB Financial Group gained $1 trading 243,064 shares to close at $145, PanJam Investment shed 50 cents to close at $71.50, with 110,315 units changing hands. Sagicor Group fell 99
cents to settle at $39, in trading of 80,640 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund fell 49 cents to settle at $10.11, in trading of 80,640 shares,Scotia Group traded 124,455 shares after gaining 39 cents to close at $52.40. Seprod fell 70 cents and ended at $30.80 with an exchange of 41,125 shares and Wisynco Group lost 45 cents and concluded trading at $9.75, with 64,698 stock units changing hands.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in 68,991 units valued at over $14,240. JMMB Group 6% preference share settled at US$1.05 with 7,627 shares trading, Proven Investments traded 52,308 stock units at 21.9 US cents and Sygnus Credit Investments rose 0.05 cent and ended at 8 US cents trading 52,308 shares. The JSE USD Equities Index advanced by 0.12 points to close at 165.97.
Fall again for JSE main market – Thursday
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Thursday, resulted in another day of moderate fall in the two main indices, but market volume and value increased over that of Wednesday.
At the close, the All Jamaican Composite Index dropped 1,118.62 points to close at 407,309.91 and the JSE Index declining by 1,018.09 points to end at 371,112.27.
Market activity ended with 5,588,296 units valued at $115,025,442 compared to 2,621,751 units valued at $79,656,335 changing hands, on Wednesday.
JMMB Group led trading with 2,084,124 units for 37 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Pulse Investments with 986,375 units accounting for 17.7 percent of the volume changing hands and JMMB Group 7.50% with 400,000 units and 7 percent of the day’s volume.
The main and US dollar markets, had 36 securities changing hands, with prices of 13 rising, 10 declining with 13 remaining unchanged, compared to the same number of securities trading on Wednesday.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator suggest that the market could enjoy strong gains on Thursday with the reading showing 8 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 5 closing with lower offers.
An average of 169,342 units valued at $3,485,619, in contrast to 79,768 units valued at over $1,781,160 on Wednesday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts 70,913 units valued at $1,992,151 
compared to 61,632 units valued at $1,838,617, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Barita Investments lost $1 to close at $51, trading 15,748 shares, Caribbean Cement finished trading 29,100 shares to close at $40, Eppley added $1 and settled at $10, with 5,848 shares trading, Grace Kennedy fell $2.90 in trading 23,247 shares at $56.10, Jamaica Broilers traded 56,842 stock units and rose $1 to $29. JMMB Group concluded trading of 2,084,124 shares but lost $3 to close at $29, Kingston Properties shed 30 cents to finish at $6.20, with 350 stock units, NCB Financial Group lost $1.25 in trading 138,873 shares to close at $143.75, PanJam Investment gained 50 cents to close at $71,50, with 24,178 
units changing hands. Pulse Investments rose 34 cents and concluded trading of 986,375 shares at $3.50, Sagicor Group fell 90 cents to settle at $39, in trading of 17,250 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund ended trading rose 48 cents trading 13,000 shares to close at $10.60, Scotia Group traded 99,524 shares after rising $1.01 to close at $55. Sterling Investments lost 36 cents and ended at $3.70, with an exchange of 38,070 shares and Supreme Ventures rose 50 cents and concluded trading at $20, with 119,504 stock units changing hands.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in 32,240 units valued at $12,360 units. Preference share, JMMB Group 5.75% settled at US$2 with 4,867 shares trading. Proven Investments ended trading of 3,099 units at 21.9 US cents Sygnus Credit Investments fell 0.015 cent to end at 0.75 US cents trading 24,274 shares. The JSE USD Equities Index declined by 0.83 points to close at 165.87.
Sharp fall for JSE main market – Tuesday
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Tuesday, resulted in sharp fall in the two main indices with the All Jamaican Composite Index dropping 5,066.78 points to 409,127.96 and the JSE Index declining by 4,611.43 points to close at 372,766.94.
Market activity ended with 2,621,751 units valued at $79,656,335 changing hands, compared 2,167,152 units valued at $105,404,838 on Monday. JMMB Group 7.25% Preference share led trading with 500,000 units for 19.07 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Scotia Group with 358,092 units accounting for 13.66 percent of the volume changing hands and Wisynco Group with 330,358 units and 12.60 percent of the day’s volume.
The main and US dollar markets, had 36 securities changing hands, with prices of 14 rising, 12 declining with 10 remaining unchanged, compared to 33 securities trading on Monday.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator suggest that the market could enjoy strong gains on Tuesday with the reading showing 14 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
An average of 79,447 units valued at over $2,413,828, in contrast to 77,398 shares valued at $3,764,458 on Monday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts to 59,744 units valued at $1,845,200 compared to 57,455 units valued at $1,771,613, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Barita Investments lost $1.50 to close at $51, trading 23,291 shares, Caribbean Cement climbed $2.99 to finish at $41, with 14,363 shares changing hands, Eppley gained $1 and settled at $10, with 909 shares trading, Grace Kennedy dived $3.96 in trading 88,305 shares at $56.03, Jamaica Broilers traded 48,033 stock units and fell $1 to $27. Jamaica Producers lost $2 to close at $21, with 45,251 shares changing hands, JMMB Group lost $1.84 trading of 31,001 shares to end at $32.14, Portland JSX rose 50 cents and 
ended at $8, with an exchange of 27,359 units, Pulse Investments concluded trading at $2.70, with 130,066 shares, after fall by 46 cents. Sagicor Group fell 50 cents and settled at $39.50, with 38,120 shares, Salada Foods jumped $3.49 to $35, in trading with 3,590 stock units, Scotia Group traded 358,092 shares after falling $1.50 to close at $52.50. Supreme Ventures, rose 50 cents to end at $19.50, with 29,215 stock units changing hands, Victoria Mutual Investments fell 45 cents and concluded trading 30,404 stock units at $3.50 and Wisynco Group fell 37 cents and settled at $10.03, with 330,358 shares trading.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in 180,004 units valued at $50,898 units. Preference shares Eppley 5% added 1 cent to end at 98 US cents with 3,534 shares trading and JMMB Group 5.75% settled at US$2 with 6,070 shares. Proven Investments end trading of 170,400 units at 21 US cents after inching higher by 0.09 cent. The JSE USD Equities Index lost 1.33 points to close at 162.34.
JSE trading picks up Friday
Trading picked up further on the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Friday, with 2,798,965 units valued $103,358,114 compared 3,487,141 units valued at $63,034,296 changing hands on Thursday.
The main and US dollar markets, had 33 securities changing hands, with prices of 7 rising, 16 declining with 10 remaining unchanged, compared to 32 securities trading on Thursday.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator suggest that the market could enjoy strong gains on Monday with the reading showing 17 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and only 1 closing with a lower offer.
Market activity led to the All Jamaican Composite Index climbed 1,774.48 points to 414,328.09 and the JSE Index advanced by 1,616.75 points to close at 377,499.74.
Scotia Group led trading with 551,291 units and 19.70 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Seprod with 442,081 units or 15.8 percent of the volume changing hands and Grace Kennedy with 367,707 units with units accounting for 13.14 percent of the day’s volume.
An average of 93,299 units valued at over $3,445,270, in contrast to 120,246 shares valued at $2,173,596 on Thursday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts to 55,273 units valued at $1,525,800 compared to 50,226 units valued at $1,233,495, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
In main market activity, Barita Investments shed $1.07 and closed at $50.43, with just 510 shares traded, Jamaica Broilers lost $1 and finished trading at $28, with 35,857 units, Jamaica Producers rose $1.50 to close at $22.50, with 1,536 shares changing hands. JMMB Group lost $1.48 and concluded trading of 8,480 shares at $32.50, Kingston Wharves dropped $1.95 to $75.50, with 807 units changing hands. PanJam Investment declined 50 cents to end at 
$70, trading 39,228 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund shed 95 cents, while trading 52,515 shares, to close at $10.05, Salada Foods traded 11,964 units at $31.51. Scotia Group traded 551,291 shares after gaining $2.98 to close at $54.99, Seprod gained 25 cents and closed at $30.25, trading 442,081 shares, Stanley Motta traded 12,700 shares, but fell 75 cents to end at $4.25 and Supreme Ventures, gained 50 cents to end at $19.50, with 17,332 stock units changing hands.
Trading in the US dollar market resulted in 40,984 units valued at $43,283 units. JMMB Group 6% preference shares traded 24,139 units to close at $1.05, followed by and JMMB Group 5.75% preference share traded 8,000 units to close at US$2 and Proven Investments that rose 0.1 cent in trading 8,845 units at 21.90 US cents after falling 0.01 cent. The JSE USD Equities Index was unchanged at the close at 166.86.
JSE suffer losses on Tuesday
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange closed Tuesday with losses in the market indices as trading levels remain modest.
At the close of trading, the All Jamaican Composite Index lost 622.31 points to close at 412,832.33 and the JSE Index declined by 566.99 points to close at 376,136.94.
Main market trading ended with 1,496,686 units valued at $31,571,688 compared to 1,668,337 the units valued at $33,203,631 changing hands on Monday.
The main and US dollar markets, had 27 securities changing hands, with prices of 7 rising, 8 declining with 12 remaining unchanged, compared to 31 securities trading on Monday.
Wisynco Group led trading with just 438,832 units and 29.3 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Carreras with 319,764 units or 21.4 percent of the volume changing hands and Scotia group with 157,500 units accounting for 10.5 percent of the day’s volume.
An average of 55,433 units valued at over $1,169,322, in contrast to 57,529 units valued at $1,144,953 on Monday. The average volume and value for the month to date amounts to 44,147 units valued at $1,258,519 compared to 41,450 units valued at $979,123, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 11 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
In main market activity, Barita Investments lost $2.99 and closed at $48, with 33,604 shares traded, Caribbean Cement fell $1 and finished at $41 trading 1,487 shares, Grace Kennedy dropped $2 trading 17,309 stock units at 
$61, Jamaica Broilers lost $1 and finished trading 5,744 units at $28. Jamaica Producers climbed $1.44 and closed at $21.50, with 22,094 shares changing hands, Jamaica Stock Exchange added 57 cents in closing at $10.77 after trading 106,887 shares, JMMB Group dived $3.19 to conclude trading of 26,387 shares at $30.80, NCB Financial Group gained 50 cents in trading 45,234 shares at $148.50. Salada Foods rose 50 cents trading with 990 units to close at $32.50, Scotia Group traded 157,500 shares after declining 50 cents to close at $54.50, Sterling Investments gained 40 cents and ended at $4.50, with 49,495 shares trading and Supreme Ventures concluded trading at $18.49, with 66,220 stock units changing hands after climbing by 99 cents. There was no trading in the US dollar market on Tuesday.
JSE rise in modest trading on Monday
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange closed Monday with gains in the market indices of just over 600 points but with modest traded volume, valued just less than $34 million.
At the close of trading, the All Jamaican Composite Index gained 662.75 points to 413,454.64 and the JSE Index advanced by 603.84 points to close at 376,703.93.
Main market trading ended with 1,668,337 the units valued at $33,203,631 compared to 1,056,249 units valued at $28,629,116 changing hands on Friday.
The main and US dollar markets, had 31 securities changing hands, with prices of 9 rising, 10 declining with 12 remaining unchanged, compared to 30 securities trading on Friday.
Victoria Mutual Investments led trading with just 334,162 units and 20 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Jamaica Broiler with 213,800 units or 12.8 percent of the volume changing hands and WISYNCO Group with 192,623 units accounting for 11.6 percent of the day’s volume.
An average of 57,529 units valued at $1,144,953, in contrast to 39,120 units valued at $1,060,338 on Friday. The 
average volume and value for the month to date amounts to 41,450 units valued at $979,123 compared to 35,899 units valued at $921,873, previously. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 8 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 2 closing with lower offers.
In main market activity, Jamaica Producers dropped $2.94 and closed at $20.06, with 48,527 shares changing hands, Jamaica Stock Exchange shed 55 cents in closing at $10.20 after trading 106,887 shares. JMMB Group rose 99 cents to conclude trading of 31,710 shares at $33.99, NCB Financial Group dropped $1.90 in trading 31,989 shares at $148, Proven Investments traded 13,400 stock units rising by $1 to close at $27. Pulse Investments 
finished with a rise of 35 cents to close at $3.20, trading 82,750 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund fell $1 after trading 13,400 shares to end at $11. Salada Foods rose 50 cents trading with 336 units to close at $32, Scotia Group traded 83,527 shares after rising $1 to close at $55, Seprod rose 70 cents to close at $31, with 23,179 shares changing hands and Stanley Motta lost 34 cents and ended at $5, with 15,376 shares changing hands.
Trading in the US dollar market amounted to 67,971 units valued at $16,007. Eppley 5% preference share ended at 97 cents with 2,466 shares trading and Proven Investments traded 65,505 stock units and rose 0.5 cent to 21.5 US cents. The JSE USD Equities Index advanced by 1.90 points to close at 162.46.
JSE majors down first trading day of 2019
Barita Investments – 2018 best performing JSE stock ,closed at a new high on Wednesday.
At the close of trading on Wednesday, the All Jamaican Composite Index fell 620.33 points to 416,222.40 and the JSE Index declined by 565.19 points to close at 379,225.67. Trading ended with a mere 854,686 units valued at just $19,069,873, compared to 4,522,721 units valued at $121,494,950 changing hands on Monday.
Mayberry Investments led trading with 184,285 units 21.56 percent of the day’s volume, followed by Mayberry Jamaican Equities with 110,370 units 12.91 percent of the volume changing hands and Victoria Mutual Investments with 70,834 units 8.29 percent of the day’s volume.
The main and US dollar markets, had 30 securities changing hands with prices of 12 rising, 14 declining with 4 remaining unchanged, compared to 31 securities trading on Friday. Barita Investments moved to another record closing high, with the price moving to $54.20 at the close of trading.
An average of 31,165 units valued at $705,292, in contrast to 161,526 units valued at over $4,339,105 on Monday. Trading for December ended, with an average of 835,037 units with a value of $25,906,477, for each security traded.
IC bid-offer Indicator|The Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator reading shows 11 stocks ending with bids higher than their last selling prices and 3 closing with lower offers.
In main market activity, Barita Investments climbed $2.20 and ended at an all-time closing high of $54.20, with an exchange of 18,501 shares, Grace Kennedy jumped $4 to close at $65 in trading 24,340 units, Jamaica Broilers traded 54,550 shares after falling $1.50 to close at $28. Jamaica Stock Exchange fell $1.10 in closing at $9.40 after 10,638 shares were traded, JMMB Group gained $1.44 to close at $34, with 43,583 shares trading. Kingston Wharves declined by 50 cents and finished trading of 4,456 stock units at $76, PanJam Investment closed with 8,077
units trading but fell $2 to $72, Sagicor Group rose 99 cents to end at $39.99, trading 16,220 shares, Sagicor Real Estate Fund declined $1.63 after trading 63,513 shares to end at $14.07. Salada Foods traded 10,000 but fell $3.50 to close at $31.50, Scotia Group traded 1,620 shares with a loss of $1 to close at $54, Supreme Ventures lost $1.50 to close at $16.50 trading 13,430 shares and Wisynco Group lost 49 cents and ended at $10.50 with 25,118 shares changing hands.Trading in the US dollar market amounted to 49,850 units valued at $6,170. JMMB Group 6% preference share ended at US$1.05 with 550 shares changing hands, Proven Investments traded 10,500 stock units and increased 2 cents to 20 US cents and Sygnus Credit Investments fell 2 cents cents and ended at 9 US cents with 38,800 shares changing hands. The JSE USD Equities Index declined by 0.28 points to close at 159.33.
Barita up 593% top 2018 JSE stock
Barita climbs to a new closing high of $50 on Friday to gain 593% in 2018..
Stocks on the Jamaica Stock Exchange main market ending 2018 with a credible gain of 31.7 percent but brokerage house Barita Investments surged a by a huge 593 percent to be the markets best performing stock in 2018.
Barita Investments gain mostly came after Cornerstone Investment Holdings officially sealed the deal to take over the company and laterally, after announcing a rights issue to shareholders at an exercise price of $15.50. The stock closed the year at $52. But there is a lot more going on with this company as the new majority owners take a more aggressive approach to capture more business locally and within the wider Caribbean.
Four stocks end 2018 with gains of more than 100 percent contributed to the year’s performance but the year’s movement fell below that of 2017, when the index rose 50.7 percent. The next best performer could only deliver a 
211 percent rise in contrast to the stunning gains by Barita. Salada Foods ended the year with a jump in price to $35 on strong gains in profit, to capture the number 2 best performing spot rising by 211 percent for the year, followed by Palace Amusement with gains of 159 percent, the third year in a row that it is occupying the top 10 list. Kingston Wharves grew 135 percent to be one of 4 stocks to reappear in the top 10 for two consecutive years. Jamaica Broilers gained 67 percent. Pulse Investments reappeared in the Top 10 with a rise of 66 percent and heavy weight, PanJam Investment put in a strong showing of 65 percent, while Supreme Ventures chipped in with 57 percent, Mayberry Investments rose 52 percent and NCB Financial with 50 percent to retain one of the Top 10 spots for the second year in a row.
The worst performing stocks included Ciboney down 71 percent due mainly to the sale of property it previously owned 
with most of the proceeds distributed as a dividend thus reducing the value of its assets to a few million dollars. 138 Student Living was next with a fall of 42 percent with Portland JSX ending with a loss for the year of 25 percent following on from Kingston Properties with 22 percent and Sygnus Credit Investments with 20 percent from it 2018 IPO price. Both Ciboney and Carreras that are in the top 10 worst performing stocks in 2018 are coming from the top 10 in 2017.
