Investors in the Nigerian equities market recorded another round of strong returns on Friday, posting a profit of ₦1.07 trillion at the close of trading.
This impressive gain was driven by notable increases in the share prices of companies such as Guinness Nigeria, Cadbury Nigeria, and Consolidated Hallmark Holdings, which all saw a 10 per cent rise.
The All-Share Index (ASI) advanced to 126,149.59 points, up from the 124,446.8 points recorded on Thursday. Similarly, the market capitalisation rose to ₦79.8 trillion from ₦78.7 trillion after five hours of trading on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.
Market breadth remained positive, with 70 stocks appreciating in value, 10 stocks declining, and 67 remaining unchanged across 33,399 deals.
Guinness Nigeria Plc closed at ₦96.80 per share, up from ₦88.00. Cadbury Nigeria Plc climbed to ₦60.50 from ₦55.00, while Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc ended the session at ₦3.63, compared to ₦3.30 previously. All three posted a full 10 per cent increase in their share prices.
On the flip side, Learn Africa Plc led the list of losers, shedding 8.66 per cent to close at ₦6.01, down from ₦6.58. Tantalizers Plc followed with a 6.25 per cent drop to ₦3.00, while Prestige Assurance Company Plc fell by 6.02 per cent to close at ₦1.25.
Access Holdings Plc topped the volume chart with 172 million shares exchanged in 2,018 deals. Ellah Lakes Plc followed closely with 144 million shares traded in 888 deals, while Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc saw 138 million shares change hands in 977 transactions.
On the value index, Access Holdings Plc also led with stock trades valued at ₦4.1 billion across 2,108 deals. Zenith Bank Plc ranked second, with equities worth ₦3.7 billion traded in 1,311 deals. United Bank for Africa (UBA) came in third with shares valued at ₦3.1 billion exchanged in 1,868 deals.
The continued upward movement in market indices reflects growing investor interest and strong performance by blue-chip stocks, reinforcing the bullish sentiment seen across the trading week.