barrier yesterday as both the major banks achieved new highs for the year.

The Index closed up 25.66 points at 1212.61 -- its highest point since last October -- in light trading of 3,353 shares worth $83,387.

The Bank of Butterfield led the way as it jumped $1.50 to close at $34.50 on volume of 800 shares.

The Bank of Bermuda, went up 50 cents to close at $23.50 on volume of 1,150.

In the only other trade of the day, Belco shares were unchanged at $20.50 on volume of 1,403.

The graph above shows the Exchanhe Index's perforamnce over the last 52 weeks.

It does not include yesterday's close.

Chart -- Page 18