The combined value of companies listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange's (BSE) Domestic Companies Index (DCI) rose 17% in the first half of the year when compared to the level last June, buoyed by strong performances nearly across the board.

A half-year trading report released by the bourse this week indicates that the market capitalisation of firms listed on the Domestic Companies Index (DCI) rose from P42.9 billion on June 30 last year, to P50.3 billion on June 30 this year.

Average daily turnover, or the value of shares traded on a daily basis, rose from P3.3 million in the first half of last year, to P6.5 million in the first half of this year, while total turnover between the two periods nearly doubled. In the half year on the DCI, Standard Chartered had the largest gain in share price, rising by 23%, followed by Botswana Telecommunications Corporation Limited and First National Bank. Just five out of the 23 counters listed on the DCI recorded losses in their share prices during the first half of the year, with the Far Property Company anchoring the list with a drop of nearly 25%.

During the first half, the Foreign Companies Index was equally robust with its market cap rising 88% to P657.6 billion. Top gainers on the FCI in terms of share price were Investec and Anglo, which rose 20.2% and 19.7% respectively in the half year.