The index rose 6.98 points to close at 1,295.98 on a share volume of 11,970, valued at $173,508 and bond turnover of $13,375.

Three out of four active equity issues finished higher. The Bank of Bermuda was 25 cents higher at $25.25 on a volume of 402, while the Bank of Butterfield remained at $15 after 10,368 shares changed hands.

Bermuda Commercial Bank rose 25 cents to $5.25 after 1,000 shares traded and SAL closed a dollar higher at $12 on a volume of 200.