The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed on a bullish note Thursday, with investors pocketing gains worth N190 billion as renewed buying interest lifted the market.
The market capitalisation rose from N88.81 trillion to N89.00 trillion, representing a 0.21 per cent increase. Likewise, the All-Share Index advanced by 300.49 points to close at 140,665.85, up from 140,365.36 on Wednesday.
Market breadth was positive, with 41 stocks advancing against 12 decliners.
Guinness Nigeria, C&I Leasing, and Livingtrust Mortgage Bank led the rally with 10 per cent gains each, closing at N143, N6.60, and N4.62 per share, respectively. Etranzact appreciated by 9.68 per cent to N13.60, while Regency Alliance Insurance added 9.42 per cent to finish at N1.51.
On the flip side, NEM Insurance topped the losers’ chart with a 9.94 per cent decline to N28.10. AXA Mansard shed 4.76 per cent to N15.99, Computer Warehouse Group fell 4.71 per cent to N16.20, while Ellah Lakes and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings dipped by over 4 per cent each.
Despite the bullish close, market activity slowed compared with the previous session. A total of 378.2 million shares worth N12.4 billion were traded in 22,935 deals, down from 767.7 million shares valued at N40.64 billion exchanged across 24,837 deals on Wednesday.
Ja Paul Gold dominated trading volumes with 42.1 million shares worth N111.9 million. Zenith Bank followed, recording 27.9 million shares valued at N1.87 billion. United Bank for Africa moved 27.3 million shares worth N1.3 billion, while Access Corporation and Nigerian Breweries accounted for 25.3 million shares and 18.5 million shares, respectively.
