The Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) closed the Oct. 23 session at 1,572.28 points, as measured by BLOM Bank’s Blom Stock Index. Shares on the BSE had a positive trajectory in October, despite some frightful interludes, when political worries were heightened by the political class’s unbelievable wrangling over ministerial positions and cabinet powers. Notable risers on the BSE were real estate firm Solidere, recording a gain of more than $1 to $26.28 on Oct. 23, just a bit below the stock’s 12-month high. Bank Audi stock appreciated even more and closed at $75.40 on Oct. 23, representing a 22% gain since Oct 1. Overall, the Lebanese share indices have risen to levels that analysts had estimated, after the national elections in June 2009, to be reachable on basis of a successful cabinet formation — but a sharp one-day drop on Oct. 22 due to disappointing political news served as reminder that
