Local stocks will look to build on last week's gains as trading resumes today after a break for yesterday's Labour Day holiday.

The biggest climbers last week were insurers Argus Group Holdings Ltd. and BF&M Ltd.

Argus gained 50 cents, or 6.2 percent, to $8.50, as 1,000 shares changed hands.

BF&M, which announced a profit of $7.9 million for the first six months of last year, gained 75 cents, or 4.9 percent, to close on $16, on the trading of 1,900 shares.

Butterfield Bank was the busiest trader and lost five cents, or one percent, to close last week on $5, as 63,179 shares changed hands.

The bank's preference shares also saw some activity, remaining unchanged on $1,250 on the trading of 78 shares.

Ascendant Group, owner of power company Belco also lost ground. Ascendant shed 50 cents, or three percent, to $16 on the trading of 11,900 shares.

The Royal Gazette/ BSX Index gained 11.94 points, or 0.5 percent, during the five days of trading to close on 2,317.73.

Bermuda dollar turnover was almost $550,000, while US dollar turnover totalled $97,500.