The IHSG ended lower today (which was) due in part to profit-taking coupled with the balance of trade recording a surplus
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta Composite Index (IHSG) ended lower on Thursday as investors chose to book profits following the strengthening of the stock market over the past few days.



The index of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) closed 70.95 points lower, down 1.37 percent, at 5,105.15, while the index of the 45 most liquid stocks (LQ45) fell 13.4 points, or 1.68 percent, to 782.88.



“The IHSG ended lower today (which was) due in part to profit-taking coupled with the balance of trade recording a surplus. However, imports fell deeper than exports, confirming deflation data. This means that the purchasing power is still weak,” Indo Premier Sekuritas analyst Mino said.



The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) announced on Thursday that Indonesia posted a trade surplus of US$2.44 billion in September, 2020, with exports reaching US$14.01 billion and imports totaling US$11.57 billion. The surplus has been the fifth one recorded since May this year.



After opening lower, the IHSG moved away from the red until the close of trade.



Stocks in all sectors recorded a correction, with the financial sector deepening its fall by minus 1.86 percent, followed by the property sector and the miscellaneous industry sector at minus 1.64 percent and minus 1.45 percent, respectively.



Friday's trade posted net foreign buys of Rp23.29 billion.



A total of 877,901 transactions were recorded on Thursday, with 12.96 billion shares, worth Rp9.78 trillion, changing hands. Meanwhile, 127 shares rose, 296 shares fell, and 160 shares remained unchanged.



In the Asian regional markets, the Nikkei Index shed 119.5 points, or 0.51 percent, to reach 23,507.23, the Hang Seng Index plunged 508.55 points, or 2.06 percent, to 24,158.54, while the Straits Times Index weakened by 34.6 points, or 1.35 percent, to reach 2,5520.99.

Related news: IHSG ends higher following state-owned firms' corporate actions
Related news: IHSG extends gains on job creation bill, positive global cues
Related news: Market cheers job creation bill, ends in green

Translator: Citro Atmoko/Suharto
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2020