financial issues edged up in light trading.

The BSX Index closed up 5.5 points to 1,003.04 on volume of 5,521 shares worth $93,032.

It was the first time since June 10, 1996 -- when the Index peaked at 1,000.35 -- that the 1,000 makr had been surpassed.

The Bank of Bermuda gained 25 cents to close at $20 -- its high for the year -- on volume of 4,130 shares while Bermuda Home edged up 13 cents to $7.50 -- also a high -- as 1,391 shares traded. ---- Chart, Page 27