The Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) lost CFA471 billion ($788.7 million) over the 30 days ending April 13, 2020, market data shows. Of the 45 companies listed on this market, 36 experienced a decline in share value over the period.

The top 4 poor performers include Palm CI (-33.3%), Servair (-31%), Bolloré Transport & Logistics (-26.1%) and Société des Rubberes du Grand-Béreby (-20.3%).

Servair, whose core business is aviation catering and catering services for major events, is negatively perceived by investors who predicted a not so positive performance for 2020. This same factor seems to be weighing on the local subsidiary of the Bolloré group.

A few companies have managed to see their share values rise. Unsurprisingly, Air Liquide Côte d'Ivoire achieved the largest increase in the period with a share price up 19.23%. The company is involved in the production of industrial oxygen. The importance of this product became apparent with the covid-19 pandemic, due to its use in the treatment protocol for people seriously affected by the disease.

Idriss Linge