The Royal Gazette/Bermuda Stock Exchange Index jumped almost 80 points yesterday Belco Holdings shares soared 17 percent.

The Index closed up 79.77 points or 1.63 percent at 4,984.47 in active trading of 26,206 shares worth $584,625. Three stocks advanced.

Utility company Belco led the way, gaining $4 to close at $27.50 on volume of 700 shares.

Bermuda Commercial Bank also gained despite adverse publicity concerning one of its major shareholders last week, closing up 70 cents to close at $8.50 on volume of 2,000 shares.

And insurer BF&M edged up five cents to $17.25 on heavy volume of 14,800 shares.

Index bellwether Butterfield Bank was unchanged at $57.50 as 2,506 shares traded and insurer Argus also held at $14.50.

West Hamilton Ltd. ? formerly Bermuda Bakery ? was unchanged at $55 on volume of 1,500 shares, Bermuda Paint maker Devonshire Industries held at $14.80 on volume of 1,100 and Bermuda Container Line was unchanged at $13.50 with 600 shares trading.