Sub-Saharan African Stocks: Equity, Japaul Oil, Unilever Ghana

By Eric Ombok and Vincent Nwanma

(Bloomberg) — The Nigerian Stock Exchange All- Share Index snapped seven days of declines, rising 0.7 percent to 25,789.53 at the close in Lagos.

Kenya’s All-Share Index advanced 0.2 percent to 71.48 in the capital, Nairobi. Mauritius’s SEMDEX Index increased less than 0.1 percent to 1,687.4 by the close in the capital, Port Louis.

The Ghana Stock Exchange All-Share Index rose 0.2 percent to 6,473.16 in the capital, Accra. Namibia’s FTSE/Namibia Overall Index increased 0.9 percent to 813.68 in the capital, Windhoek.

The following shares rose or fell in sub-Saharan Africa, excluding South Africa. Stock symbols are in parentheses.

Housing Finance Co. of Kenya Ltd. (HFCL KN) rose to a 19- month high, gaining 1.25 shillings, or 6 percent, to 22.25 shillings, its highest level since Sept. 25, 2008. The company isn’t engaged in merger or buyout talks with its biggest shareholder, Equity Bank Ltd., the Nation reported, citing Housing Finance Chairman Steve Mainda.

Equity Bank snapped seven days of gains, retreating 35 cents, or 1.8 percent, to 19.15 shillings.

Japaul Oil & Maritime Services Plc (JAPAULOI NL), a Nigerian company, rose the most in three weeks, advancing 7 kobo, or the maximum daily limit of 5 percent, to 1.48 naira. Yesterday it reported a 7.3 percent gain in net income for the year through December.

Unilever Ghana Ltd. (UNIL GN) climbed to its highest in more than 14 months, rising 4 pesewas, or 1.1 percent, to 3.60 cedis after it reported first-quarter profit more than tripled.

–Editors: Ana Monteiro, John Kohut.