The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed on a positive note on Thursday, as renewed investor interest lifted market capitalisation above the N90 trillion threshold.
Investors gained N143 billion, pushing market capitalisation from N89.865 trillion on Wednesday to N90.008 trillion at the close of trading. Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) added 226.84 points, or 0.16 per cent, to settle at 142,263.07, compared with 142,036.23 recorded in the previous session.
Market sentiment was upbeat, with 30 gainers outpacing 20 losers.
Guinness Nigeria topped the gainers’ chart, appreciating by 10 per cent to close at N176 per share. Eunisell Interlinked rose 9.89 per cent to N30.55, Regency Alliance Insurance gained 9.82 per cent to N1.79, Thomas Wyatt advanced 9.80 per cent to N2.69, while McNicholas climbed 9.58 per cent to N3.86.
On the flip side, Consolidated Hallmark Holdings led the losers, shedding 7.59 per cent to N4.02. The Initiates Plc declined by 7.48 per cent to N12, Sovereign Trust Insurance fell 6.21 per cent to N2.87, Omatek Ventures dipped 5.17 per cent to N1.10, and WAPIC Insurance dropped 4.19 per cent to N3.20 per share.
Market activity, however, slowed compared to Wednesday’s trading. Investors exchanged 325.1 million shares worth N8.4 billion in 22,779 deals, down from 1 billion shares valued at N24.7 billion in 23,281 deals in the previous session.
Access Corporation led the activity chart with 37.2 million shares worth N1 billion. Zenith Bank followed with 24.3 million shares valued at N1.6 billion, while Fidelity Bank traded 20.5 million shares worth N426 million. Secure Electronic Technology accounted for 19.8 million shares valued at N15.9 million, while Veritas Kapital Assurance transacted 14.9 million shares worth N32.9 million.
