LuSE Ends Higher as Select Counters Drive Modest Gains

Lusaka – The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) closed the latest trading session on a positive note, with the LuSE All Share Index (LASI) edging up by 0.20 percent to settle at 25,939.02 points, reflecting cautious investor optimism amid selective buying across the equity market.

Trading activity picked up moderately, with 790 trades executed, resulting in a total of 96,584 shares exchanging hands and a turnover of K1.87 million. The day’s performance lifted the market’s capitalization to K330.57 billion including Shoprite Holdings, while capitalization excluding Shoprite stood at K140.50 billion.

Gainers and Losers

Market gains were supported by notable price advances in several counters. Airtel Zambia (ATEL) led the gainers with a K2.27 increase to close at K140.00, while Dangote Cement Zambia (DCZM) added K1.50 to end the day at K24.00. British American Tobacco Zambia (BATZ) rose K0.25 to K14.50, Puma Energy Zambia (PUMA) gained K0.09 to K3.89, and Zambia National Building Society Finance (ZMBF) edged up K0.01 to K2.20.

On the downside, AECI Zambia shed K2.24 to close at K127.76, making it the day’s biggest decliner. Marginal losses were also recorded in National Breweries (NATB) and Standard Chartered Bank Zambia (SCBL), both down K0.01 to close at K2.98 and K2.54, respectively.

Most Active Counters

In terms of activity, Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CECZ) dominated trading by value and volume, with 24,101 shares traded across 198 deals, generating a turnover of approximately K463,993. Chilanga Cement (CHIL) followed, recording 4,975 shares worth K398,000, while ZCCM Investments Holdings posted K345,778 in turnover from 2,083 shares traded.

Zanaco (ZNCO) also remained active, with 17,032 shares changing hands, reflecting sustained investor interest in the banking stock.

Dollar-Denominated Market

On the dollar-denominated segment, the listed REIT (REIZUSD) recorded four trades, with 6,904 units transacted for a total value of US$621.36, indicating continued but measured participation by investors seeking foreign currency exposure.

Market Outlook

Overall, the market’s modest uptick suggests a cautiously positive sentiment, driven by selective accumulation in telecommunications, cement, and energy-related stocks. Analysts note that sustained gains will likely depend on improved liquidity, corporate earnings performance, and broader macroeconomic stability, particularly interest rate movements and exchange rate trends.

For now, the LuSE continues to show resilience, with investors maintaining a selective approach as they position themselves for value opportunities across key counters.