All three markets of the Jamaica Stock Exchange declined in trading on Friday with the number of stocks changing hands jumping sharply over Thursday, with the value rising sharply, resulting in prices of 27 shares gaining and 45 declining with Transjamaican Highway 8% preference share ending trading with the highest volume of stock passing through the market.
At the close of trading, the JSE Combined Market Index declined by 2,514.05 points to 318,834.85, the All Jamaican Composite Index lost 417.07 points to 351,434.14 and the JSE Main Index shed 2,451.83 points to 306,383.62. The Junior Market Index fell 23.57 points to conclude trading at 3,604.63 and the JSE USD Market Index slipped 0.57 points to 219.56.
At the close of trading, 58,981,003 shares were exchanged in all three markets, up from 26,897,947 units on Thursday, with the value of stocks traded on the Junior and Main markets amounted to $132.36 million, compared with $91.06 million on the previous trading day and the JSE USD market closed with an exchange of 207,924 shares for US$7,317 compared to 810,331 units at US$50,222 on Thursday.
In Main Market activity, Transjamaican Highway 8% led trading with 39.38 million shares followed by Wigton Windfarm with 2.59 million stock units, Radio Jamaica with 2.09 million stocks and Transjamaican Highway with 1.14 million shares.
In Junior Market trading, Dolla Financial led trading with 2.10 million shares followed by Jamaican Teas with 1.68 million units and Mailpac Group with 895,692 stocks.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.25% preference share sank $1.70 to $17.80 and Sygnus Credit Investments C10.5% rallied $1 to end at $102.
The market’s PE ratio, the most popular measure used to value stocks, ended at 19 on 2023-24 earnings and 13.1 times those for 2024-25 at the close of trading. ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and 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 within a sector and the overall market. The EPS & PE ratios are based on 2023 and 2024 actual or projected earnings, excluding major one off items.
Pertinent information is required to navigate numerous investment options successfully in the stock market. The ICInsider.com PE ratio chart and more detailed daily charts provide investors with regularly updated information to help decision-making.
The chart should be used in making rational decisions when investing in stocks close to the average for the sector, 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 incorporated into the chart. Investors can use this measure in assessing stock values. The chart also shows daily changes in stock prices and the percentage year to date price movement based on the last traded prices.
Dividends that are paid or are due to be paid and yields for each company are shown in the Main and Junior Markets’ daily report charts, along with the closing volume of the highest bid and the lowest offer for each company.
Falling stocks dominate Trinidad stock market
Guardian Holdings sank $2 to a multi-year low, followed by Unilever Caribbean sank $1.19 leading 11 declining stocks as the negative trend continues on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange on Friday, with trading of 20 securities up from 14 on Thursday and ending with prices of four stocks rising and five ending firm, with a 159 percent rise in the volume of stocks traded valued 578 percent more than on Thursday.
The market closed with trading of 405,822 shares valued at $5,575,145 compared to 156,738 stock units at $821,702 on Thursday.
An average of 20,291 shares were traded at $278,757 compared with 11,196 units at $58,693 on Thursday, with trading month to date averaging 19,010 shares at $133,047 compared with 18,868 stock at $116,944 on the previous day and an average for July of 12,380 shares at $139,960.
The Composite Index dropped 10.02 points to wrap up trading at 1,068.94, the All T&T Index declined by 10.26 points to end the day at 1,608.53, the SME Index remained at 78.26 and the Cross-Listed Index fell 1.37 points to conclude trading at 68.80.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and five with lower offers.
At the close of trading, Angostura Holdings remained at $17.75 after 45 stocks passed through the market, Ansa McAl fell 7 cents to end at $63.50 after an exchange of 53,877 units, Ansa Merchant Bank ended at $41.50, with 215 shares changing hands. 
Calypso Macro Investment Fund remained at $24 with investors trading 123 stock units, First Citizens Group rallied 50 cents and ended at $44 with 11 shares clearing the market, FirstCaribbean International Bank skidded 33 cents to finish at $6.70 in trading 8,000 stocks. GraceKennedy ended at $3.65, with 2,825 units crossing the exchange, Guardian Holdings sank $2 to close at a 52 weeks’ low of $12.50 with traders dealing in 16,982 stock units, JMMB Group remained at $1.05 after a transfer of 94,797 shares. Massy Holdings increased 1 cent in closing at $3.58 with investors dealing in 61,560 stocks, National Enterprises dipped 2 cents to end at $3.04 in an exchange of 35,894 units, National Flour Mills lost 10 cents to finish at $1.90 with just 1 stock unit crossing the market. One Caribbean Media declined 5 cents to $3.10 with investors swapping 5,936 shares, 
Prestige Holdings sank 52 cents to end at $10.98 with 33,594 stock units crossing the market, Republic Financial dropped 60 cents in closing at a 52 weeks’ low of $112.50 in trading 3,718 stocks. Scotiabank climbed 5 cents and ended at $57.85 as investors exchanged 6 stock units, Trinidad & Tobago NGL shed 10 cents to finish at a 52 weeks’ low of $5.80 in switching ownership of 9,402 stocks, Trinidad Cement slipped 30 cents to close at $2.54 with investors trading 4,051 stock units. Unilever Caribbean sank $1.19 to a 52 weeks’ low of $10.61 with an exchange of 19,838 shares and West Indian Tobacco popped 10 cents to finish at $6.50 and closed with 54,947 stock units changing hands.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Gains for JSE Main Market
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Thursday, with the volume of stocks traded declining 68 percent with the value 62 percent lower than on Wednesday, following trading in 55 securities down from 57 on Wednesday, with prices of 22 stocks rising, 19 declining and 14 ending unchanged.
The market closed with 8,643,170 shares being traded for $49,192,520 compared to 26,967,121 units at $129,155,125 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 157,149 shares at $894,409 compared to 473,107 units at $2,265,879 on Wednesday and month to date, an average of 317,707 stocks at $2,933,594 compared with 336,780 stock units at $3,175,830 on the previous day with an average of 602,415 units at $5,405,031 in July.
Wigton Windfarm led trading with 1.86 million shares for 21.6 percent of total volume followed by QWI Investments with 1.56 million stock units for 18 percent of the day’s trade and Transjamaican Highway with 1.23 million units for 14.2 percent of the day’s trade.
The All Jamaican Composite Index jumped 3,856.25 points to end the day at 351,851.21, the JSE Main Index gained 916.18 points to settle at 308,835.45 and the JSE Financial Index rose 0.33 points to conclude trading at 65.24.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.6. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2025.
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, Caribbean Cement slipped 98 cents and ended at $63.51 with a transfer of 10,963 stocks, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund sank $2.78 to $38 with 2,161 units clearing the market, Guardian Holdings skidded $8 to finish at $350 in switching ownership of 1,099 shares. Jamaica Broilers increased $3 in closing at $36 after trading 124,645 stock units, Jamaica Stock Exchange fell 79 cents to end at $10.15 after an exchange of 7,551 shares, Lasco Manufacturing dipped 53 cents to close at $6.54 with investors dealing in 42,888 units. NCB Financial popped $3.91 to $53.91 in an exchange of 46,805 stocks, Pan Jamaica rallied $3.39 to close at $49.90 after 100 stock units passed through the market, Proven Investments sank $1 to finish at $16.70 after an exchange of 2,424 shares. 
Salada Foods shed 84 cents to end at $3.01, with 10,512 stocks changing hands, Sterling Investments dropped 40 cents to end at $2 with investors trading 57,326 units, Supreme Ventures rose 40 cents in closing at $21 with 271,213 stock units crossing the market. Sygnus Credit Investments climbed 42 cents to $11.19 in trading 4,311 shares, Sygnus Real Estate Finance advanced 56 cents to close at $10.54 after an exchange of 14 stock units and Wisynco Group gained 48 cents to finish at $20.48 with 41,786 stocks being traded.
In the preference segment, JMMB Group 7.15% – 2028 lost 32 cents and ended at $2.72 crossing the market 38,422 units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Decline for JSE USD Market
Falling stocks pushed down the Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market on Thursday, following an 11 percent rise in the volume traded but with a 50 percent greater value than on Wednesday, resulting from an exchange of four securities, compared to four on Wednesday with prices of two rising, two declining and no ending unchanged.
The market closed with an exchange of 810,331 shares for US$50,222 compared to 729,458 units at US$33,442 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 202,583 stock units at US$12,556 versus 182,365 shares at US$8,360 on Wednesday, with a month to date average of 381,213 shares at US$9,156 compared with 395,795 units at US$8,879 on the previous day and July that ended with an average of 30,304 units for US$2,118.
The US Denominated Equities Index declined 2.79 points to finish at 220.13.
The PE Ratio, a most used measure for computing appropriate stock values, averages eight. The PE ratio is calculated based on last traded prices divided by projected earnings done by ICInsider.com for companies with financial year ending and or around August 2025.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and one with a lower offer.
At the close of the market, Proven Investments popped 0.02 of a cent to close at 10.72 US cents after 3,414 stocks passed through the market, Sterling Investments dipped 0.13 of one cent to 1.51 US cents and closed after an exchange of 500 shares, Sygnus Credit Investments sank 0.5 of one cent and ended at 6.5 US cents after 678,949 units changed hands and Transjamaican Highway increased 0.01 of one cent in closing at 1.98 US cents with investors dealing in 127,468 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Stocks push Junior Market higher
Declining stocks outdistance those rises at the close of the Junior Market of the Jamaica Stock Exchange on Thursday, with the market eking out a modest rise following a 393 percent surge in the volume of stocks traded, with 525 percent greater value than Wednesday with trading in 42 securities up from 39 on Wednesday and ending with prices of 12 rising, 18 declining and 12 closing unchanged.
The market closed with trading of 17,444,446 shares for $41,871,104 compared with 3,536,843 units at $6,698,902 on Wednesday.
Trading averaged 415,344 shares at $996,931 compared with 90,688 units at $171,767 on Wednesday. Trading for the month to date, averages 252,581 stocks at $490,446 compared with 231,865 stock units at $425,984 on the previous day and July with an average of 358,542 units at $736,760.
Dolla Financial led trading with 6.32 million shares for 36.2 percent of total volume followed by Regency Petroleum with 4.33 million stock units for 24.8 percent of the day’s trade and Jamaican Teas with 2.21 million units for 12.7 percent of the day’s trade.
At the close of trading, the Junior Market Index popped 4.11 points to conclude trading at 3,628.20.
The Junior Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 12.2, based on last traded prices in conjunction with earnings projected by ICInsider.com for financial years ending around August 2025.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and six with lower offers.
At close of the market, AMG Packaging dipped 13 cents to $2.81 with investors trading 305 stocks, Caribbean Assurance Brokers sank 17 cents and ended at $3.58 after a transfer of 9 shares, Caribbean Cream slipped 39 cents to close at $3.05 with investors dealing in 7,878 stocks. Caribbean Flavours rose 14 cents to end at $1.26, with 21,382 units changing hands, Dolla Financial lost 5 cents in closing at $2.95 with investors swapping 6,315,543 shares, Dolphin Cove gained $1.16 to finish at $22.96 in an exchange of 2,220 units.
Elite Diagnostic popped 15 cents to $1.54 with investors in 61,616 stocks, following the release of the full year results with a robust fourth quarter that points to earnings round about 40 cents in a full year. Future Energy climbed 7 cents to end at $3.37 after an exchange of 209,234 stock units, Lasco Financial fell 19 cents to $1.60 with investors trading 854,945 shares. Limners and Bards increased 22 cents to close at $1.47 with an exchange of 60,756 stock units, Main Event declined 95 cents to $11 after closing with an exchange of 51,289 stocks, MFS Capital Partners sank 6 cents to finish at 64 cents with 11,223 units clearing the market and Paramount Trading advanced 10 cents to $1.11 in trading just 100 shares.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Jamaica’s Inflation continues to cool
The All Jamaica Consumer Price Index to July this year came out at 5.1 percent for the point-to-point inflation rate for the last twelve months to July 2024 this year is down from 5.4 percent in June and the fifth month that it has remained in the low 5 percent level, with January come out at 7.4 percent an February at 6.2 percent.
Importantly, inflation for the seven months to July 2024 was 0.5 percent.
The inflation rate for July 2024 was 0.8 percent compared to June. According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica, who compiles the data, “this upward movement was influenced mainly by a 1.9 percent increase in the index for the division ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’. They went on to state that, “the inflation rate for July was also impacted by a 0.4 per cent rise in the index for the ‘Transport’ division due mainly to higher petrol prices and increased toll rates for the East-West leg of Highway 2000.”
This sustained low level of point to point inflation and the reduction in BOJ CDs rates to below 9 percent points clearly to a reduction in the overnight rate sooner than later.
Winners & losers near even on Trinidad Exchange
Stocks ended with winners and losers closely matched on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange on Thursday, with the volume of stocks traded declining 49 percent valued 87 percent lower than on Wednesday resulting in 14 securities trading down from 22 on Wednesday and ending with prices of five stocks rising, six declining and three ended firm.
The market closed with trading of 156,738 shares amounting to $821,702 compared to 307,863 stock units at $6,102,614 on Wednesday.
An average of 11,196 shares were traded at $58,693 compared to 13,994 units at $277,392 on Wednesday, with trading month to date averaging 18,868 shares at $116,944 down from 19,511 units at $121,831 on the previous day and July with an average of 12,380 shares at $139,960.
The Composite Index shed 1.53 points to finish at 1,078.96, the All T&T Index declined 11.37 points to finish at 1,618.79, the SME Index ended at 78.26 and the Cross-Listed Index advanced 1.26 points to conclude trading at 70.17.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows five stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close, Angostura Holdings remained at $17.75 in an exchange of 275 shares, 
First Citizens Group ended at $43.50 with investors dealing in 572 stock units, FirstCaribbean International Bank rallied 48 cents to $7.03, after 8,967 shares were traded. GraceKennedy slipped 20 cents in closing at $3.65 after 600 stock units passed through the market, Guardian Holdings rose $1.30 to finish at $14.50 with investors trading 86 shares, JMMB Group dipped 1 cent and ended at $1.05, with 107,000 stocks changing hands. Massy Holdings lost 1 cent to end at $3.57 with traders dealing in 12,749 units, National Enterprises remained at $3.06 and closed after an exchange of 2,500 stock units, Prestige Holdings advanced 52 cents and ended at a 52 weeks’ high of $11.50 in trading 5,900 shares. 
Republic Financial popped 10 cents to close at $113.10 with 3,063 stock units clearing the market, Scotiabank shed 20 cents in closing at $57.80 with investors trading 1,000 units, Trinidad & Tobago NGL fell 10 cents to end at a 52 weeks’ low of $5.90 after an exchange of 940 stocks. Unilever Caribbean increased $1.05 in closing at $11.80 with a transfer of 102 shares and West Indian Tobacco skidded $1.10 to a 52 weeks’ low of $6.40 as investors exchanged 12,984 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Trading drops on JSE USD Market
The Jamaica Stock Exchange US dollar market closed on Wednesday, with the volume of stocks traded declining 96 percent having an 89 percent lower value than Tuesday, resulting in the exchange of four securities, compared to six on Tuesday with prices of two rising and two declining.
The market closed with an exchange of 729,458 shares for US$33,442 compared to 16,703,911 units at US$317,585 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 182,365 stock units at US$8,360 versus 2,783,985 shares at US$52,931 on Tuesday, with a month to date average of 395,795 stocks at US$8,879 compared with 414,766 units at US$8,925 on the previous day and July that ended with an average of 30,304 units for US$2,118.
The US Denominated Equities Index increased 1.16 points to close at 222.92.
The PE Ratio, a most used measure for computing appropriate stock values, averages 8.1. The PE ratio is calculated based on last traded prices divided by projected earnings done by ICInsider.com for companies with financial year ending and or around August 2025.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows three stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close, First Rock Real Estate USD share dipped 0.01 of a cent in closing at 4.73 US cents with investors trading 3,847 stock units, 
Proven Investments lost 0.2 of a cent to end at 10.7 US cents after exchanging 217,718 shares and Transjamaican Highway rose 0.07 of a cent to close at 1.97 US cents with a transfer of 507,892 units.
In the preference segment, JMMB Group US8.5% preference share rose 12 cents to US$1.18 as investors exchanged just 1 stock.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Stocks continue the slide on Trinidad Exchange
Falling stocks continued to dominate rising prices on the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange on Wednesday, with stocks traded declining 63 percent in volume with a value that was 80 percent more than on Tuesday resulting in 22 securities trading compared with 16 on Tuesday and ending with prices of six stocks rising, 10 declining and six ended firm with the market closing with one stock closing at a 52 weeks’ high and two at 52 weeks’ low.
The market closed after the trading of 307,863 shares at $6,102,614 from 834,319 stock units at $3,392,494 on Tuesday.
An average of 13,994 shares were traded at $277,392 compared with 52,145 stock units at $212,031 on Tuesday, with trading month to date averaging 19,511 shares at $121,831 compared with 20,348 stocks at $98,228 on the previous day and an average for July of 12,380 shares at $139,960.
The Composite Index slipped 19.24 points to end the day at 1,080.49, the All T&T Index skidded 4.12 points to finish at 1,630.16, the SME Index remained at 78.26 and the Cross-Listed Index sank 4.96 points to end the day at 68.91.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows four stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and three with lower offers.
At the close of the market, Agostini’s declined 45 cents in closing at $68.50 crossing the market 6,503 stock units, Angostura Holdings fell 31 cents to $17.75 with an exchange of 24,307 shares, Ansa McAl gained 57 cents to end at 52 weeks’ high of $63.57 with 7,277 units clearing the market. 
Ansa Merchant Bank ended at $41.50 after the trading of 650 stocks, Calypso Macro Investment Fund closed at $24 in an exchange of just 4 shares, First Citizens Group rose $1 to close at $43.50 with investors trading 4,563 units. FirstCaribbean International Bank fell 45 cents to $6.55 in an exchange of 4,546 stocks, GraceKennedy advanced 10 cents to close at $3.85 with investors dealing in 113,845 stock units, Guardian Holdings slipped $1.30 to finish at 52 weeks’ low of $13.20, with 597 shares crossing the market. Guardian Media popped 3 cents and ended at $1.65 with a transfer of 6,699 stock units, JMMB Group popped 1 cent to end at $1.06 after 633 units passed through the market, Massy Holdings gained 4 cents in closing at $3.58, with 27,119 stocks changing hands. National Enterprises slipped 8 cents to $3.06 with investors trading 520 shares, National Flour Mills ended at $2 in switching ownership of 3,750 units, NCB Financial dipped 44 cents and ended at $2.56 after a transfer of 1,301 stocks.
Point Lisas sank 3 cents to end at $3.12 in trading 5,000 stock units, Prestige Holdings remained at $10.98 after an exchange of 29,856 shares, Republic Financial dropped 80 cents to close at $113 with investors swapping 21,447 stock units. Scotiabank shed $1 to $58 with 15,617 stocks crossing the exchange, Trinidad & Tobago NGL skidded 26 cents in closing at 52 weeks’ low of $6 with traders dealing in 22,847 units, Trinidad Cement remained at $2.84 as investors exchanged 1,052 shares and Unilever Caribbean ended at $10.75 and closed with an exchange of 9,730 stock units.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
Main Market trading jumps
Trading on the Jamaica Stock Exchange Main Market ended on Wednesday, with the volume of stocks traded rising 164 percent and the value 13 percent more than on Tuesday, with trading in 57 securities versus 58 on Tuesday, with prices of 20 stocks rising, 20 declining and 17 ending unchanged.
The market closed after 26,967,121 shares were traded for $129,155,125 compared to 10,216,315 units at $114,195,348 on Tuesday.
Trading averaged 473,107 shares at $2,265,879 compared to 176,143 units at $1,968,885 on Tuesday and month to date, an average of 336,780 stocks at $3,175,830 compared with 317,641 units at $3,303,582 on the previous day and July with an average of 602,415 shares at $5,405,031.
Radio Jamaica led trading with 10.43 million shares for 38.7 percent of total volume followed by Carreras with 8.55 million stock units for 31.7 percent of the day’s trade, Transjamaican Highway with 2.39 million stocks for 8.9 percent market share, Wigton Windfarm with 1.82 million shares for 6.8 percent market share and JMMB Group 7.35% – 2028 with 1.16 million units for 4.3 percent of total volume.
The All Jamaican Composite Index shed 1,788.64 points to close at 347,994.96, the JSE Main Index dropped 768.55 points to settle at 307,919.27 and the JSE Financial Index declined 0.27 points to finish at 64.91.
The Main Market ended trading with an average PE Ratio of 13.8. The JSE Main and USD Market PE ratios are based on last traded prices and earnings forecasts by ICInsider.com for companies with the financial year ending around August 2025.
Investor’s Choice bid-offer indicator shows 12 stocks ended with bids higher than their last selling prices and four with lower offers.
At the close of the market, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund rallied $4.88 to end at $40.78, after 5 stocks passed through the market, First Rock Real Estate skidded 55 cents to $10.30 in trading 10,870 units, GraceKennedy rose $1.12 and ended at $74.12 with 62,376 shares crossing the market. Guardian Holdings gained $18 to finish at $358 with an exchange of 356 stock units, Kingston Properties sank 40 cents in closing at $9 with 1,900 shares crossing the market, Kingston Wharves dropped $1.50 to close at $27 with investors dealing in 2,247 stock units. 
Lasco Manufacturing popped 55 cents to $7.07 after an exchange of 846,677 stocks, Mayberry Jamaican Equities shed 51 cents to end at $9 with investors trading 195,745 units, Pan Jamaica declined $3.44 in closing at $46.51 in an exchange of 20,126 shares. Scotia Group climbed $1.70 to close at $44 with traders dealing in 70,224 units, Seprod increased $2.95 to finish at $82.95 as investors exchanged 2,259 stocks, Supreme Ventures sank 40 cents and ended at $20.60 in trading 28,597 stock units and Sygnus Real Estate Finance advanced $1.94 to $9.98, with 1,000 shares crossing the exchange.
In the preference segment, Eppley 7.50% preference share popped 53 cents to finish at $6.45 with investors trading 58 stocks.
Prices of securities trading are those for the last transaction of each stock unless otherwise stated.
