The Nairobi Securities Exchange today performed better yet again on both indices. The NSE 20 Share Index edging up 8.32 points to close at 4141.23 and the All-Share Index performance climbing up 0.25 points to close at 91.43

HIGHEST VOLUMES

Kenya Commercial Bank was the top performer today with 1.96 Million shares traded. Mumias Sugar Company took second spot with 1.85 million shares and in third place was Barclays Bank of Kenya with 1.38 million shares changing ownership. Kenya Power traded a stunning 1.2 Million shares that saw it scoop the fourth spot today.

COUNTER WATCH

• KCB – A stock was top trader for the day having transacted 1.96 million shares, up from 1.63 on the previous close. Share price also shot up to KES 30.25, an increase of 25 cents from Friday’s close. Having started at KES 17 early this year, the stock has been considered as the best performer in the bourse having steadily risen over the months. Shareholders are about to see their shares double in market value as the year comes to a close. Added to this, the bank announced financial results where increased cash flow was evident, driving shareholders to increase demand of the stock.
• British American Tobacco – The stock closed at KES 465 having finally crossed the KES 460 mark, making today’s price the highest in 5 years. There is really not much to say about this share, except that the shareholders have been clad in smiles as they went to the bank. Through the year, a total of KES 30 was paid per share and the shares have more than doubled in price, having hit a low of KES 204.  Pure money maker this one. There has however been a suggestion by World Health Organization to charge a minimum excise duty of 70% which BAT has strongly opposed.
• Equity Bank – The bank saw just over 450,000 shares traded at an average price of KES 23.75. The volume traded is a major decrease from last Friday’s quantity of 7.5 million shares. It comes to about a 94% decrease. Shocking right? Even at this price, shareholders have almost doubled their portfolio value.