The Nigerian equities market maintained its upward trajectory for a third consecutive session on Thursday, with investors recording a net gain of N20 billion in market value.
At the close of trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the total market capitalization rose marginally by 0.02 percent to N128.997 trillion from N128.977 trillion. Correspondingly, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) inched up by 32.14 points to settle at 200,957.89, building on the previous session’s close of 200,925.75. This modest advance contributes to a robust year-to-date return of 29.14 percent, even as market breadth stayed negative, with 30 stocks advancing against 36 that declined.
Premier Paints and Zichis Agro Allied Industries led the gainers, each surging by 10 percent to close at N34.10 and N12.54 per share, respectively. They were followed by Legend Internet, John Holt, and McNichols. On the losing side, University Press recorded the sharpest fall, dropping 9.17 percent to N5.45 per share. Other notable decliners included Sunu Assurances, Veritas Kapital Assurance, FTN Cocoa Processors, and NGX Group.
Trading activity saw a significant boost, with total volume jumping 26.05 percent to 678.13 million shares. The total value of transactions reached N33.14 billion across 42,222 deals. Access Corporation dominated volume with 134.59 million shares traded, representing 19.85 percent of the day’s total. In value terms, MTN Nigeria led with transactions worth N11.06 billion, accounting for 33.38 percent of turnover.
This session’s gain follows substantial increases earlier in the week, where investors had added N141 billion and N1.09 trillion on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. The sustained rally underscores continued investor interest in the NGX, despite the session’s narrow index rise and a higher number of declining stocks. The market’s performance highlights a selective pursuit of gains, with trading volumes indicating growing liquidity and participation.
