Cairo-Mubasher: Egypt’s stock market indices showed mixed performance while equities gained around EGP 6.2 billion ($810.2 million) in capitalisation during the first quarter of 2015.

The benchmark index EGX30 rose 2.3% or 208.2 points to close the quarter at 9134.78 points, compared with 8926.58 points at the end of 2014.

Trading activity during the first quarter was relatively positive, as the benchmark ended in the green zone, said Sameh Gharib, head of technical research, Roots Stock Brokerage House.

He added that the index soared during the quarter to its highest level in six and a half years, hitting 10066 points, at which selling pressures emerged and pushed the index down by 1000 points, or 9.25% of its value.

The small and mid-cap index EGX70 fell by 8.5% or 47.82 points to end at 517.61 points, from 565.43 points at 2014-end.

The broader index EGX100 also lost 4.1% or 44.83 points to 1045.63, from 1090.46 points.

EGX70 is seeing correction within sideways movement, which started in September, and is expected to shoot above such a range during the next quarter, according to the analyst.

Translated by Sayed Abdel Rahman