The Nigerian equities market maintained its positive momentum on Thursday, with investors’ wealth increasing by N191 billion as renewed demand for medium- and large-cap stocks pushed key market indicators higher.
Market capitalisation rose by 0.12 per cent, from N158.086 trillion to N158.278 trillion.
The All-Share Index also gained 297.10 points, representing a 0.12 per cent increase, to close at 245,209.34, compared with 244,912.24 recorded in the previous session.
The positive performance was driven largely by fresh buying interest in selected heavyweight stocks.
Among the notable gainers were Eterna, AVA Capital, Legend Internet, FCMB and Honeywell Flour, alongside 19 other advancing equities.
The market’s year-to-date return increased to 57.58 per cent, although overall market breadth remained negative, with 35 stocks recording losses against 24 gainers.
On the decliners’ list, Fortis Global Insurance led with a 10 per cent drop to N2.52 per share. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated fell by 9.99 per cent to N72.10, while Chellarams declined by 9.85 per cent to N11.90.
Thomas Wyatt Nigeria shed 9.83 per cent to close at N3.21, while UPDC dropped by 8.45 per cent to N3.25 per share.
READ ALSO: NGX Market Capitalisation Surges Past N150tn Since 2023
On the gainers’ side, Eterna topped the chart with a 10 per cent increase to N36.30. AVA Capital rose by 9.63 per cent to N11.95, while Legend Internet advanced by 9.52 per cent to N4.60.
FCMB gained 8.55 per cent to close at N12.70, while Honeywell Flour appreciated by 7.98 per cent to N17.60 per share.
Despite the market’s positive performance, trading activity weakened, with total volume falling by 35.47 per cent to 531.77 million shares, valued at N20.46 billion, across 44,826 transactions.
FCMB was the most actively traded stock by volume, accounting for 131.74 million shares, or 24.77 per cent of total market volume.
By value, First HoldCo recorded the highest transactions at N5.95 billion, representing 29.09 per cent of the day’s total value traded.
