LuSE Ends Week Marginally Higher as Trading Activity Remains Selective

Lusaka – The Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) closed last week slightly firmer, as investors maintained a cautious but selective approach to trading, resulting in modest gains in the benchmark index amid relatively low market turnover.

A total of 253 trades were recorded on the equity market during the final trading session of the week, with 69,067 shares changing hands and generating a turnover of K788,180.35. Trading activity was spread across several counters, though price movements remained limited.

The LuSE All Share Index (LASI) edged up by 0.01 percent to close at 25,565.89 points. Market capitalisation stood at K328.55 billion including Shoprite Holdings, and K138.48 billion excluding Shoprite Holdings, reflecting the continued weight of large-cap stocks on the market.

On the price movers, marginal gains were recorded in CECZ, which rose by K0.01 to close at K19.99, and ZNCO, which also added K0.01 to close at K6.00. CCAF posted a similarly modest gain of K0.01. Meanwhile, PUMA Energy declined by K0.02 to close at K4.18, marking the only notable price loss on the day.

CECZ emerged as one of the most actively traded counters by value, with 16,220 shares traded across 27 deals, resulting in a turnover of K324,227.25. ZNCO also attracted strong interest, with 24,011 shares traded, while ZMBF recorded the highest number of trades at 63, underscoring sustained participation in the banking sector. Other counters that saw trading activity included SCBL, CHIL, ATEL, ZSUG, ZFCO, ZMFA and NATB.

On the dollar-denominated segment of the market, the listed REIT recorded five trades, with a total of 29,436 units exchanged, generating a turnover of US$2,649.24, indicating steady but subdued activity from investors seeking foreign currency exposure.

Looking ahead to the coming week, market activity is expected to remain measured, with investors likely to focus on fundamentally strong and dividend-paying stocks. In the absence of major corporate announcements or macroeconomic shocks, the LuSE is expected to trade within a narrow range, supported by selective buying interest and cautious sentiment.