JAKARTA STOCKS TRADE HIGHER ON WALL STREET GAINS

Jakarta, Feb. 3 (ANTARA) - The Composite Stock Price Index (IHSG) at the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) here on Wednesday morning strengthened but was still below 2,600 points.

The BEI index rose 0.52 percent or 13.370 points to 2,593.621 and the LQ-45 index went up 3.005 points or 0.60 percent to 506,867 points.

Investors grabbed shares of automotive, property, cigarette, and banking industries, according to Michael Andi Surya, a research analyst of PT Valbury Asia Securities.

"We are optimistic that the BEI index will rise to higher than 2,600 points if the present market conditions continue," he said.

The Indonesian stocks were also boosted by Wall Street gains as investors were less worried over the Greek budget deficit problem.

Foreign investors bought shares at Wall Street as they were optimistic the US economic growth figure would improve following a report on better US property sector data.

Among top gainers were Astra Agro Lestari shares that rose Rp350 to Rp23,150, Astra International shares that advanced Rp200 to Rp36,200, Gudang Garam shares that added Rp50 to Rp9,350, United Tractor shares that went up Rp200 to Rp16,700, Indosat shares that climbed Rp50 to Rp3,525, Mega mining company shares that strengthened Rp250 to Rp31,550 and Inco shares that increased Rp50 to Rp3,525.