Indonesian share prices edged down 0.03 percent on Thursday, as late gains offset initial profit taking, dealers said. The Jakarta Stock Exchange composite index closed down 0.647 points at 1,930.397 on volume of 3.21 billion shares worth 3.36 trillion rupiah (368.82 million dollars).
The rupiah was trading at 9,105/9,110 to the dollar, against 9,090/9,095 late Wednesday. Gainers led losers 87 to 59, while 62 stocks were unchanged. "Bank Mandiri was boosted by the news of a drop in its non-performing loans as well as an upgrade by Merrill Lynch," said Hendrik, an analyst with Batavia Prosperindo Asset Management.
Bank Mandiri rose 125 rupiah or 4.5 percent to 2,875. Among other gainers, Bank Danamon increased 50 to end at 6,650 rupiah, Perusahaan Gas Negara gained 50 to 10,600 and palm oil firm Astra Agro rose 450 to close at 14,250.
Unilever added 50 to 5,850 and tin miner Timah rose 100 to 14,400. Coal miner Bumi Resources increased 30 to end at 1,360 and Indofood gained 30 to 1,590. Meanwhile, Telkom lost 200 to close at 10,250 while rival Indosat dropped 50 to 6,350.
Car dealer Astra International fell 150 to 13,550, Bank Rakyat Indonesia declined 100 to 5,400, nickel miner Antam shed 250 to 15,100, while rival Inco lost 550 to end the day at 59,200 rupiah.