JAKARTA (JP): Selling pressure remained strong on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, keeping most share prices in a continued free fall in active trading.

The broad-based Composite Index suffered another drop to close lower at 454.84 against 456.56 on the previous day. The narrower- based GTDBS-50 Index also fell to close at 107.91 from 108.17.

Securities brokers said the buying mood remained weak amidst a strong selling pressure from foreign investors. One stock broker felt that foreign investors were selling their stocks and shifting to more profitable investments following the rise in the U.S. interest rate.

Bank Mashill made a lame debut yesterday in the midst of low investor response. The bank's share price lost Rp 150 to close at Rp 3,300 from its initial price of Rp 3,450.

Top losers included Anwar Sierad (-Rp 300), Bakrie & Brothers (-Rp 325), Barito Pacific (-Rp 200), Cipendawa Firm (-Rp 300), Dynaplast (-Rp 600), Gajah Surya (-Rp 800), Indorama (-Rp 300), Lion Mesh (-Rp 5,300), Semen Cibinong (-Rp 500) and Tembaga Mulia (-Rp 250).

Top gainers were BAT Indonesia (+Rp 200), Duta Anggada (+Rp 300), Inco (+Rp 200) and Plaza Indonesia (+Rp 475).

Trading volume rose to 17.14 million shares worth Rp 73.74 billion (US$35.11 million) yesterday from 14.75 million shares worth Rp 77.72 billion on Thursday.(hen)