Nigeria’s equity market extended its bullish run on Thursday, adding N1.663 trillion in market value as the total capitalization crossed the N136 trillion threshold. The All-Share Index climbed 2,583.61 points, or 1.23 percent, to settle at 211,901.02, up from 209,317.41 the previous session. Year-to-date returns strengthened to 36.17 percent, with advancing stocks outnumbering decliners 45 to 20.
Among the top performers, Trans-Nationwide Express and Guinea Insurance both rose 10 percent to close at N5.50 and N1.21 per share, respectively. Aradel gained 9.99 percent to N1,547.50, Ecobank Transnational advanced 9.97 percent to N61.20, and Daar Communications climbed 9.93 percent to N1.66.
On the downside, Ikeja Hotel led the losers with a 9.73 percent drop to N33.40, followed by WAPIC’s 8.77 percent decline to N2.60, and CAP’s 8.61 percent fall to N95 per share. International Energy Insurance and McNichols also posted notable losses.
Trading activity slowed, with volume falling 17.19 percent to 584.96 million shares worth N34.76 billion in 45,559 deals. Zenith Bank was the most traded stock, accounting for 61.74 million shares valued at N7.60 billion, representing 10.55 percent of volume and 21.86 percent of value.
The gains mark the fourth consecutive session of positive performance, building on Wednesday’s N2.28 trillion rally. The sustained upward momentum reflects strong investor confidence and robust participation in Nigeria’s equity market.
