Increases in the share prices of Butterfield Bank and Ascendant Group pushed the Bermuda Stock Exchange into positive territory yesterday.

Ascendant, owner of electricity company Belco, rose nearly 8.5 percent, or $1.17, to $14.99, on light volume, as 522 shares changed hands.

Butterfield's share price rose five cents, or 3.6 percent, to $1.45, as 7,900 shares were exchanged.

BF&M Ltd. was the one domestic board company to close lower. The insurer closed down 30 cents, or 2.3 percent, to $12.75.

The Royal Gazette/BSX Index climbed 32.11 points, or 2.6 percent, to end the trading day on 1,248.81.

Volume was 20,808 shares and turnover was just shy of $179,000.