Movers & Shakers: August 09, 2012

Abridged Movers and Shakers due to the public holiday in South Africa

Kenya: NSE 20 +0.22%, USD 5.1m

The NSE 20 index ended its 3 day losing streak edging up 0.22% on the back of large cap counters gaining ground. Equity turnover climbed 40.2% with local investor dominating the session accounting for 61% of trades compared to 43% yesterday. Equity Bank was the top mover for the second straight session accounting for 39% of turnover. Driven by net foreign investor buying, Safaricom notched higher 1.3% to KES 3.90. BAT edged up 0.3% touching its 12 month high of KES 400 with foreign investors accounting for 100% of its demand. The counter could start witnessing some selling pressure next week Monday when it starts trading ex- dividend. Though on thin volumes. Standard Chartered Bank was amongst the day’s losers easing 4.5% to KES 191. The counter announced 1H12 performance figures at the close of trading marking a 81.5% y/y (-3.8% q/q) growth in EPS. Loan book growth came in above expectation at 7.8% q/q. Ahead of 1H12 earnings release tomorrow, Kenya Re notched lower 3.2% to KES 10.60.

Nigeria: ASI +0.05%, USD 9.36m

It was another slow day in Nigeria today - the mkt failed to get past the $10m mark with the holiday in South Africa not helping things. The top tier banks struggled with GTb the best performer closing unch at 17.7. DangC managed to hold its ground today 114 after taking a beating yesterday. The conglomerates and Food & bev sectors enjoyed decent support with no names closing lower, PZ + 2.75%, Unilever +2.9%.