NGX :Equities investors gains N142bn in market capitalization 

By Philemon Adedeji

Equities market on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) extended the bullish run for the fourth consecutive session as the All-Share Index (ASI) inched weight by 261.01 absolute points representing 0.49 per cent to close at 53,499.68 index points points from 53,238.67 Index points.

Investors interest in Nestle Nigeria (+1.84 per cent), Zenith Bank  (+2.00 per cent), Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) (+0.40 per cent) kept the market in the positive terrain.

Absolutely, the ASI’s year-to-date (YTD) return rose to 4.39 per cent, while the market capitalization value rose to N142.17 billion to close at N29.139 trillion from N28.997 trillion recorded for the previous trading day.

The upturn performance was driven by gains recorded in medium and large capitalized stocks which are Seplat Energy, Nestle Nigeria, Zenith Bank and others.

The break down of Yesterday’s market activities showed trade turnover settled lower relative to the previous session, with the value of transactions down by 6.13 per cent.

The trade volume declined by 19.9 per cent to close at 200,368,242 million shares valued at N5.52 billion were exchanged in 3,716 deals.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company led the volume chart with 16.61 million units traded, while Geregu Power led the value chart in deals worth N1.64 billion.

Market breadth closed flat as SEPLAT energy topped 13 others on the gainer’s table, while Guinness  Nigeria led 13others on the laggards log.

On the leaders table, Seplat Energy and IMG emerged as the highest price gainer with 10.00 per cent each increased to close at N1210 and N7.70 per share, while NNFM which recorded as the last third gainer appreciated by 9.46 per cent to close at N8.10 per share.

INTENEGINS which recorded as the last fourth gainer went up by 9.33 per cent to close at N0.82 per share.

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company which emerged as the last fifth gainer rose by 9.26 per cent to close at N8.85 per share.

On the decliners log, Guinness Nigeria led the losers table which depreciated by 10.00 per cent to close at N63.00 per share, closely followed by Ardova Plc which dipped by 9.95 per cent to close at N17.20 per share, Academy Press which recorded as the last third loser lost 9.85 per cent to close at N1.19 per share.

Rt. briscoe which recorded as the last fourth loser declined by 9.68 per cent to close at N0.28 per share.

Cornerstone Insurance which recorded as the last fifth loser shed 8.33 per cent to close at N0.55 per share.

Transaction in the shares of UNIVINSURE topped the activities chart with 57.785 million shares worth N11.557 million, closely followed by Guaranty Trust Holding Company transacted 16.607 million shares valued at N415.176 million, while United Bank of Africa traded 11.152 million shares value at N91.379 million.

Transcorp Plc transacted 8.797 million shares worth N10.913 million.

Geregu Power sold 8.482 million shares worth N1.635 million.