Butterfield Bank's common shares dropped 1.72 percent (five cents) as speculation mounted that the bank was going to be taken over.

The bank traded 28,827 shares to close at $2.85.

BF&M Ltd. and the Ascendant Group Ltd., however, both rose 50 cents (3.44 percent and 3.33 percent respectively). The insurer ended the day at $15 as 3,664 shares changed hands, while the utilities provider transacted 2,718 shares to finish on $15.50.

The only other trader was Butterfield Bank's preference shares, 48 of which were traded, but its share price held firm at $200.

The Index, as a whole, climbed 7.65 points (0.4 percent) to 1,907.74, with 35,209 shares worth BD$179,980.95 and 48 shares wortH US$58,442.67.

The BSX Insurance Index was up 5.96 points (0.6 percent) at 985.69.