All nine of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) indices decreased in value during the March quarter.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Main Index declined 4.32% while the Junior Market Index went down 4.80%. 

The Financial Index dipped by 7.86% and the Manufacturing & Distribution Index lost 0.27%. The Manufacturing & Distribution index was the best-performing index, having the smallest decline over the period.

Correspondingly, the Manufacturing & Distribution division, being predominantly consumer staples providers, would be expected to be the division with the highest probability to pass any increase in input costs and be able to maintain demand during an economic downturn. 

The Financial index was the worst performer, as interest rate hikes and general economic uncertainty have impaired asset fair values.

The other decliners are the JSE Select Index, JSE Cross Listed Index, JSE All Jamaican Composite Index, JSE Junior Market and US$ Index.