The Nigerian Exchange Limited All-Share Index fell by 0.02 per cent to close at 254,245.21 points, while market capitalisation declined by N35bn to N165.08tn.
Despite the marginal loss, the market retained a strong year-to-date return of 63.38 per cent.
The decline was driven largely by price losses in Aradel Holdings, Nestlé Nigeria, Vitafoam Nigeria, Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company, among other heavyweight stocks.
Market breadth remained negative, with 41 stocks recording losses compared with 21 gainers.
Consolidated Hallmark Insurance topped the gainers’ table, rising by 10 per cent to close at N7.15 per share. Livestock Feeds followed with a 9.77 per cent increase to N14.60, while AXA Mansard Insurance gained 9.30 per cent to close at N11.75.
UPDC advanced by 7.46 per cent to N3.60, while NPF Microfinance Bank rose by 7.14 per cent to N4.50 per share.
On the losing side, Champion Breweries and Uni Assurance shed 10 per cent each to close at N8.10 and N2.70 respectively.
Aradel Holdings declined by 9.99 per cent to N1,296 per share, while Vitafoam fell by 9.97 per cent to N157.20. Cornerstone Insurance also lost 9.89 per cent to close at N4.10.
Trading activity weakened during the session, with total volume falling by 48.2 per cent to 517.26 million shares. The shares were traded in 54,015 deals valued at N47.48bn.
Honeywell Flour Mills recorded the highest volume, with 74.185 million shares worth N1.793bn changing hands. Access Holdings followed with 41.602 million shares valued at N1.171bn, while GTCO recorded 41.065 million shares worth N4.798bn.
Fidelity Bank traded 29.173 million shares valued at N672.985m, while Consolidated Hallmark Holdings recorded 28.503 million shares worth N202.322m.
Commenting on the market outlook, Cowry Assets Management Limited said sustained selling pressure and weak market breadth could constrain any near-term recovery.
However, the investment firm noted that selective bargain-hunting by investors might help cushion further losses.
