LuSE Ends Week in the Red as Heavy Selling Drags Market Lower

The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LuSE) closed the week under pressure, with the market retreating as losses in several actively traded counters outweighed gains, despite continued participation by investors.

Trading in Kwacha-denominated securities was robust, with 380 trades recorded during the session. A total of 771,420 shares were exchanged, resulting in a turnover of K14.73 million. Market activity was largely driven by Copperbelt Energy Corporation, which dominated volumes but closed lower, contributing significantly to the market’s decline. Airtel Zambia, Zambeef Products, Zambian Reinsurance and Puma Energy also recorded price losses, reflecting cautious investor positioning toward the end of the week. Dangote Cement Zambia was the notable gainer, posting a strong price increase and providing limited support to the broader market.

Investor interest extended across a wide range of stocks, including AECI, British American Tobacco Zambia, Chilanga Cement, National Breweries, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia, ZCCM Investments Holdings, Zanaco, Zambia Sugar and Zambeef Products, as well as CCAF on the quoted tier, pointing to sustained trading activity despite the weaker close.

In the dollar-denominated segment, the listed REIT recorded three trades, with 4,769 units changing hands for a turnover of US$429.21, indicating modest demand for foreign currency assets.

Overall, the market closed lower, with the LuSE All Share Index ending the week at 25,422.37 points, down 0.69 percent from the previous close. Market capitalization stood at K327.77 billion including Shoprite Holdings and K137.70 billion excluding Shoprite Holdings.