LuSE Gains 2.43% as Trading Activity Surges
The Lusaka Securities Exchange (LUSE) posted impressive gains this week, with the All Share Index (LASI), excluding ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), rising by 2.43% week-on-week to close at 20,943.18 points. This positive momentum was supported by a significant increase in trading activity.
Turnover surged to ZMW 107.04 million (USD 4.65 million) on 5.96 million shares traded, compared to the previous week’s turnover of only ZMW 386,254 (USD 16,792) on 33,521 shares. Central Energy Corporation (CEC) was the main driver behind the heightened activity, accounting for 85.06% of the total turnover with over 4 million shares exchanged at a value exceeding ZMW 91 million (USD 3.96 million).
On the price front, CEC led the gainers by increasing 6.38% to close at ZMW 23.00 per share. Conversely, Puma Energy Zambia (PUMA) experienced a slight decline of 0.22% to close at ZMW 4.59, while Zambeef Products fell by 4.52% to ZMW 1.90. The Real Estate Investment Trust, REIZUSD, traded 54,109 units with turnover of USD 4,870 (ZMW 111,772), though prices remained stable during the week.
The Zambian Kwacha strengthened against several major currencies, appreciating 3.58% against the British Pound, 3.29% versus the Euro, 2.91% against the US Dollar, and 2.55% compared to the South African Rand. This currency appreciation contributed positively to the investment environment.
In the fixed income market, government Treasury Bill yields showed minor movements. The 91-day T-Bill yield edged up slightly to 11.50%, while the 273-day T-Bill yield remained steady at 13.50%. Inflation for June 2025 was recorded at 14.10%, and the Monetary Policy Rate remained unchanged at 14.50%.
ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) announced a final dividend of ZMW 3.29 per share for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. The record date for shareholders to qualify is August 8, 2025, with the last trading date on August 5. Dividend payments will begin on or about August 11 for local shareholders, with London Stock Exchange shareholders receiving payments from August 29, and Paris Marché Libre shareholders from August 11.
Among company ratings, Zambeef Products received a “Buy” recommendation based on its favorable price-to-earnings ratio and dividend yield. ZANACO Bank was rated “Accumulate,” while CEC received a “Hold” rating reflecting steady performance. ZCCM-IH was also rated “Buy,” while Shoprite was rated “Sell” amid declining share prices.
Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) reminded investors to exercise caution, noting that share prices can be volatile and advising that professional advice be sought before investing. The information provided is for informational purposes and should not be construed as investment advice.
