JAKARTA (JP): After strengthening on the last four days, the

JAKARTA (JP): After strengthening on the last four days, the
Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) slipped back again yesterday, with
the broad-based Composite Index losing 10 points to close at
465.75 from 475.77 on Monday.

"The price drops are in line with the downward trend on major
world markets after the unexpected hike in short term interest
rates in the United States Monday," a brokers said.

In the shock situation, almost all Asian markets closed lower
yesterday in thin trading.

The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also dropped to close to
110.17 from 112.59.

Total trading sank to 14.30 million shares valued at Rp 70.28
billion (US$32.72 million) yesterday from 19.70 million shares
worth Rp 92.92 billion (US$43.38 million) on Monday.

Yesterday's top losers included Bank Int'l Indonesia (-Rp
400), Barito Pacific Timber (-Rp 500), Duta Anggada Realty (-Rp
400), Duta Pertiwi Nusantara (-Rp 375), Dynaplast (-Rp 500),
Ganda Wangsa Utama (-Rp 700), Gajah Surya Multi F. (-Rp 300), HM
Sampoerna (-Rp 550), Kedaung Indah Can (-Rp 300), Lippo Bank (-Rp
300), Mayatexdian (-Rp 350), Smart Corporation (-Rp 300),
Sumalindo Lestari Jaya (-Rp 300), Unggul Indah Corp. (-Rp 250),
and Bakrie Sumatra Plantation (-Rp 475)

Gainers were, among others, Aqua Golden Mississippi (+Rp 475),
Cipendawa Farm Enterprise (+Rp 200), Inti Indorayon Utama (+Rp
250), Kalbe Farma (+Rp 200) and Petrosea (+Rp 250).

Some 9.44 million shares changed hands at Rp 43.05 billion on
the regular market, 3.30 million shares at Rp 21.15 billion on
the cross trading board, 1.55 million shares at Rp 6.07 billion
on the foreign board and 200 shares at Rp 900,000 on the odd lot
board.

The block sale and cash trading boards recorded no
transactions yesterday. (fhp)