The Nairobi Securities Exchange today performed better yet again on both indices. The NSE 20 Share Index edging up 13.41 points to close at 4132.91 and the All-Share Index performance climbing up 0.56 points to close at 91.18

HIGHEST VOLUMES

Equity Bank was the top performer today with a record 7.5 Million shares traded. CFC Stanbic which was one of the top losers took second place today with 1.93 million shares changing ownership. In third place was Kenya Commercial Bank with 1.63 Million shares and in Fourth place was Safaricom with 1.44 million shares down from 4.33 million yesterday.

COUNTER WATCH

• Standard Chartered Bank – The share closed KES 224, up KES 3 from yesterday’s close. The highest asking price was a record KES 230. Total volume traded however, decreased to 5600 from 86,400 yesterday. This fluctuation was caused by speculators who rushed to buy the rights at the last minute but were met by low supply.
•  KCB – The share rose to KES 30 and was the third highest traded counter today with 1.63 shares. This increase is a reaction to the announcement of their financial results that saw their cash flows from net operating activities increase to KES 17.9 Billion from a loss of KES 2.2 Billion last year. The shareholders reaction is speculative in nature as they may be awaiting increased dividend announcement arising from increased profit.
• Athi River Mining – Only 500 shares were traded for the day. Stock price maintained through the day at KES 227 showing low zero volatility to company action. Unaudited financial results released earlier on this week indicate increased turnover to KES 7.7 Billion, up 29% and improved profit after tax at KES 826 Million. Reaction from the local investors is yet to be exhibited.