Financial institutions led the way as The Royal Gazette/Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX) Index climbed nearly 52 points yesterday.

LOM (Holdings) Ltd. was the biggest climber, as its stock value increased 23.2 percent (65 cents) to $3.45, on sale of 2,000 shares.

Bermuda Commercial Bank Ltd. also had a good day, climbing 8.3 percent (75 cents) to $9.75, as 10,000 BCB shares changed hands. Three other companies made gains, including both listed insurance companies, Argus Group Holdings Ltd. and BF&M Ltd.

Argus advanced 50 cents (3.6 percent) to $14.50, as 100 shares traded, while BF&M closed at $18, up 25 cents (1.4 percent), as 1.047 shares sold.

Belco Holdings Ltd. was the other climber, gaining $1 (4 percent) to close at $23, as 2,130 shares were traded.

Butterfield Bank Ltd. remained unchanged on $56.75, as 1,429 shares traded. Sixty KeyTech Ltd. shares changed hands, as the BTC owner closed unchanged $15.50. And Bermuda Container Line Ltd. was also unmoved on $12 after 50 shares traded.

The Index closed up 51.96 points (1.07 percent) at 4,916.99. Volume of shares traded totalled 17,816, worth $262,615.75.