AGEM Index at all-time high in October as all tracked stocks show gains, led by Konami

The AGEM Index, which tracks the stock performance of selected global gaming equipment suppliers, rose 16.4 percent in October from the prior month. The 297.58-point rise, to 2,108.59 points, “marked the highest AGEM Index in tracked history,” according to a Thursday announcement. Judged year-on-year, the October index improved by 8.9 percent, or 117.96 points. During the reporting month, all nine of the AGEM Index companies reported stock price increases, which resulted in nine positive contributions and no negative contributions to the index. The largest positive contributor to the monthly index was Japan-listed Konami Group Corp. Its 23.3-percent increase in stock price led to a 150.45-point gain to the index. Konami’s stock price increase was driven by “exceptionally strong earnings results” released at the end of October, noted the update. Australia-listed slots specialist Aristocrat Leisure Ltd saw its stock price increase 8.2 percent, leading to a 73.27-point increase for the index. In October, two of the three major U.S. stock indices decreased from the prior month. The Nasdaq fell by 5.3 percent, while the S&P 500 experienced a 0.9-percent loss. The gainer was the Dow Jones Industrial Average, with a 1.7-percent increase. AGEM produces the monthly AGEM Index in association with Nevada-based advisory service firm Applied Analysis. The association represents manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, lottery products, and components for the gaming industry. The trade body began compiling data for the index in January 2005 using a base of 100 points. The stocks that constitute the AGEM Index are weighted by approximate market capitalisation.