Ghana Market Watch | May 21st 2015: Ghanaian benchmark index adds 0.88 percent

Accra, Ghana (Capital Markets in Africa):- Ghana equity benchmark composite index added 20.28 points to end the day at 2,337.61, representing a year- to- date return of  3.39%. The Financial Index also added 28.15 points to 2,392.51 with a year-to-date return of 6.64%.

The market capitalization was recorded at GHS 64,440.64 million (added GHS 110 million from previous market cap). Whereas, the trading activity on the market witnessed lower volumes and turnover compared to the Wednesday’s session.  At the close of trading, a total of 42,662 shares valued at GHS 211,680 were exchanged in thirteen equities.

On the one hand, Ecobank Ghana, the lone advancer gained GHS 0.42 to close  at GHS8.62. On the other hand, two banking stocks headed southwards; Standard Chartered Bank  and Ghana Commercial Bank shaved GHS 0.06 and GHS 0.02 to GHS 20.20 and GHS 5.21 respectively. Likewise, Vegetable oil processing firm, Golden Web also lost GHS 0.01 to close at GHS 0.02.

On the foreign exchange market, the Ghanaian cedi weakened against all major currencies. It lost 0.44 percent and 0.44 percent to the US dollar and Euro to close a GHS 3.91 and GHS 4.33.