By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
BUYING INTEREST in medium and large-cap stocks lifted Nigeria’s equities market on Wednesday, closing the session with a strong 0.56 per cent gain and boosting investor wealth by N405 billion, according to data from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).
Also, market capitalisation climbed from N71.897 trillion on Tuesday to N72.302 trillion, while the All-Share Index (ASI) rose by 641.63 points to end at 114,659.11. The upbeat performance reflected renewed confidence, particularly in value-driven sectors.
Thirty-two stocks closed in the green, outpacing 28 losers, indicating a positive market breadth. Leading the gainers’ chart, ABC Transport appreciated by 10 per cent to settle at N2.64, the NGX reveals.
Beta Glass also advanced by 10 per cent, closing at N231.10 per share.
Berger Paints rose by 9.98 per cent to N24.80,
Fidson Healthcare gained 9.91 per cent to close at N34.95, while Legend Internet Plc ended 9.88 per cent higher at N6.45 per share.
Among the top decliners, Vitafoam dipped by 6.64 per cent to N60.50,
DAAR Communications dropped 6.06 per cent to 62k, and Nestlé Nigeria lost 5.69 per cent to settle at N1,500.
Mutual Benefits Assurance fell by 5.61 per cent to N1.01, and Cornerstone Insurance declined by 5.37 per cent to close at N3.70 per share.
The NGX notes that trading activity remained robust, with 471.15 million shares worth N14.19 billion exchanged in 20,538 deals.
First City Monument Bank led the volume chart with 40.29 million shares traded at N410.15 million in value.
United Bank for Africa followed with 36.55 million shares valued at N1.31 billion, while Access Corporation saw 35.05 million shares worth N788.95 million change hands.
Lastly, Zenith Bank recorded 28.67 million units at N1.44 billion, and Ja Paul Gold transacted 25.36 million shares valued at N50.14 million.
The NGX further states that the day’s market sentiment, based on its data, remained positive, underpinned by selective bargain hunting and institutional activity in key stocks.
