Beirut SE (one month) Current Year High: 1,629.74 Current Year Low: 705.56 The Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) index started the month of June with both eyes on the parliamentary elections. Following the success of the March 14 coalition, the market was let loose, rising 21.66% through June 21 to reach 1,007.34 points. Trading was dominated by Solidere A shares which rose 29.92% and Solidere B shares at 27.79%, while Bank Audi and BLOM Bank also recorded strong gains of 15.49% and 14.96%, respectively. However, market activity slowed during the third week as markets awaited cues from political factions about the formation of a new cabinet. Holcim Liban and Byblos Bank were the only two listed companies to decline in value, falling 4.81% and 4.12%, respectively. In corporate news, Solidere announced an 18% increase in its 2008 net profits and provided a bright view of the upcoming few months. Still, as
