BF&M Ltd. surged 18.6 percent in Bermuda Stock Exchange trading yesterday in heavy trading.

The insurer and investment company on Tuesday announced first-quarter profits of $5.9 million, driven by strong investment performance.

The company soared $2.05 to $13.05, on the trading of 57,831 shares.

This was a spectacular rebound from last week, when BF&M lost 8.3 percent to plunge to $11.

Rival insurer Argus Group Holdings Ltd. lost out yesterday, falling 20 cents, or 2.9 percent, to close $6.75, as 21,100 shares traded.

Ascendant Group Ltd. registered a hefty rise, surging 7.3 percent yesterday. The owner of power company Belco closed on $14, after rising 95 cents, as 4,800 shares traded.

MediaHouse Ltd. moved higher on low volume, gaining $1.25, or 10.4 percent, to close on $13.25, as 200 shares changed hands.

The Royal Gazette / BSX Index gained 29.77 points, or 2.3 percent and closed on 1,331.63.

Volume was more than 91,700 shares and turnove topped $1 million.