By Seun Ibiyemi
Investors in the Nigerian equities market gained N389 billion at the close of trading on Thursday, driven by renewed buying interest in banking and technology stocks.
The benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) surged to 148,355.04 points, up from 147,742.22 points recorded on Wednesday, while the market capitalisation increased to N94.1 trillion from N93.7 trillion, reflecting a 0.41 per cent growth in market value.
The day’s positive sentiment was buoyed by gains in Secure Electronic Technologies, Sterling Bank Plc, and Livestock Feeds Plc, which appreciated by 7.06 per cent, 6.49 per cent, and 5.33 per cent respectively. The trio closed at N0.91, N8.20, and N7.90 per share.
Market breadth remained positive with 30 gainers, 26 losers, and 90 unchanged stocks, showing broad investor participation across sectors.
Trading volume stood at 432.4 million shares worth N16.9 billion, exchanged in 23,665 deals. Consolidated Hallmark Plc led the activity chart with 196 million shares traded in 106 deals, followed by Access Holdings Plc with 40 million shares in 1,077 deals. Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) recorded 27 million shares traded in 1,331 deals.
On the value index, GTCO and Aradel Holdings led with N2.5 billion worth of transactions each, while Zenith Bank Plc followed closely with N1.7 billion in 1,147 deals.
Meanwhile, Sunu Assurance Plc, Haldane McCall, and Daar Communications Plc led the decliners’ chart, shedding 9.71per cent, 7.53 per cent, and 6.36 per cent respectively, to close at N5.21, N4.05, and N1.03 per share.