Market Updates | Barita Insights | April 28, 2025

For the week ending April 25, 2025, the local stock market, measured by the Combined Index, rising by 1.01%. The Main Market Index rising by 1.05%, the Junior Market Index rising by 0.60%, and the JSE USD Equities Index declining by 6.22%. During the week Sygnus Credit Investments Limited USD (SCIUSD) Ordinary Shares was the largest gainer, rising by approximately 26.57% to close at $0.09. A.S. Bryden & Sons Holdings Limited USD was the biggest decliner, which fell by 19.92% to close at $0.16.

Large-cap stocks, reflecting those listed on the Main Market Index are outperforming on a YTD basis, declining by 5.97%, relative to its Junior Market counterpart which has declined by 8.09%.

For the week ending April 25, 2025, overall market activity resulted from 127 stocks of which 66 advanced, 49 declined and 12 traded firm. Market volume amounted to 56,803,354 units valued at over $294,613,805.90. Key contributors to trading volume are TransJamaican Highway Limited with 14,719,964 units (23.80%), followed by Wigton Energy Limited with 5,852,429 units (9.46%) and One On One Educational Services Limited with 4,174,744 units (6.75%).

Revisiting relevant news during the week:

Jamaica eyes space in global financial services market
Jamaica is looking to carve out a space in the global financial services industry, but local authorities say success will depend on taking a long-term, structured approach, one that builds from the island’s strengths, rather than trying to replicate more established offshore jurisdictions.
Jamaica eyes space in global financial services market

Eppley deepens private markets push with Stratus acquisition
Eppley Limited has acquired full ownership of Stratus Alternative Funds SCC from NCB Capital Markets Limited, a move that will deepen the investment firm’s footprint in private markets while allowing NCB to refocus on core priorities.
Eppley deepens private markets push with Stratus acquisition

Paramount Trading banks on new strategies to sanitise losses
Pressed by challenges that have led to reduced revenues and continued losses, Paramount Trading has turned to a suite of new strategies aimed at reversing its downward trajectory.
Paramount Trading banks on new strategies to sanitise losses

Express Catering anticipates stronger revenues in summer season
As geopolitical tensions and shifting foreign policies continue to affect air travel, Express Catering Limited (ECL), a leading food and beverage provider at Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (SIA), is optimistic about a boost in revenues as it heads into the summer season.
Express Catering anticipates stronger revenues in summer season

Pulse brings in seasoned hotel exec to guide Villa Ronai transformation
Pulse Investments Limited has appointed veteran hotel professional Dimitris Kosvogiannis to its executive management team, marking a major step in the company’s effort to revitalise its Villa Ronai property and expand its hospitality footprint
Pulse brings in seasoned hotel exec to guide Villa Ronai transformation

Travel market jitters flatten Knutsford Express Q3 profit
Luxury bus company Knutsford Express has witnessed a sharp decline in profits with management citing ongoing uncertainties in the global travel market as a key factor behind the downturn.
Travel market jitters flatten Knutsford Express Q3 profit