Trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited ended marginally lower on Monday as investors adopted a cautious approach, although gains recorded by insurance, agricultural and technology stocks helped cushion the broader market decline.
The NGX All-Share Index dropped by 306.76 points, representing a 0.12 per cent decline, to close at 250,501.51 points.
A total of 875,262,157 shares changed hands in 53,797 deals during the session, indicating sustained activity despite the modest retreat in the benchmark index.
Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc led the gainers, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at N2.31 per share.
FTN Cocoa Processors Plc followed with a 9.97 per cent gain to N8.38, while Tripple Gee and Company Plc advanced by 9.87 per cent to N2.56.
Learn Africa Plc rose by 9.80 per cent to N8.40, while Livestock Feeds Plc gained 9.55 per cent to finish at N9.75.
The performances reflected selective buying interest as investors sought opportunities in counters that had come under pressure or offered attractive entry points.
On the downside, Critical Minerals Financing Corp Plc recorded the biggest decline, losing 9.80 per cent to close at N4.05.
ABC Transport Plc fell 9.46 per cent to N6.70, while Africa Prudential Plc declined by 7.31 per cent to N10.15.
Japaul Gold & Ventures Plc shed 6.94 per cent to close at N2.68, while Coronation Insurance Plc dropped 6.36 per cent to N2.21.
The financial services sector remained the most active segment of the market, accounting for more than 517 million shares traded across the Premium and Main Boards.
Access Holdings Plc dominated activity in the sector with 440,652,920 units changing hands. Fidelity Bank Plc followed with 34,252,376 shares, while Zenith Bank Plc recorded 25,444,704 units.
In the technology segment, Chams Holding Company Plc accounted for significant activity, recording 25,797,196 shares across 809 transactions.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc recorded a marginal gain of 0.24 per cent, closing at N842.
The consumer goods sector had a mixed performance, with Nestle Nigeria Plc weighing on the sector after its share price fell 5.17 per cent to N2,750.
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc provided some support to the sector, gaining 2.94 per cent to close at N70.
Overall, Monday’s session reflected a market characterised by cautious positioning and selective accumulation. While losses in some heavyweight counters kept the All-Share Index in negative territory, buying interest in insurance, agricultural and technology stocks helped moderate the decline.
