The Nigerian stock market closed marginally higher on Thursday as the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced from 202,585.53 recorded on Wednesday to settle at 202,672.56 points.
The slight gain reflects cautious buying activity across select equities amid mixed investor sentiment.
Equities market capitalisation increased from ₦130.40 trillion to ₦130.46 trillion, translating to a gain of approximately ₦55 billion in investor wealth.
Market Activity
Trading activity moderated compared to the previous session as investors exchanged a total of 652.86 million shares valued at ₦39.82 billion in 51,101 deals, indicating sustained but slightly reduced participation.
Top Gainers
Gains were led by Trans-Nationwide Express Plc (TRANSEXPR), which rose by 9.94 percent from ₦3.12 to ₦3.43.
Other notable advancers include:
- International Energy Insurance Plc (INTENEGINS): +9.84% to ₦3.46
- FGSUK2032S7: +9.82% to ₦113.00
- UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust (UPDCREIT): +9.63% to ₦7.40
- Guinea Insurance Plc (GUINEAINS): +9.52% to ₦1.15
Top Losers
On the downside, LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc (LIVINGTRUST) led the losers’ chart, shedding 10.00 percent to close at ₦4.32.
Other decliners include:
- RT Briscoe Plc (RTBRISCOE): -9.94% to ₦8.88
- Tantalizers Plc (TANTALIZER): -9.55% to ₦3.98
- Livestock Feeds Plc (LIVESTOCK): -9.40% to ₦6.75
- FGSUK2032S5: -9.04% to ₦100.00
Top Trades
Trading activity was led by Access Holdings Plc with 121.70 million shares valued at ₦3.17 billion.
Other actively traded stocks include:
- Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO): ₦8.10 billion
- Chams Holding Company Plc: ₦187.42 million
- Zenith Bank Plc: ₦4.88 billion
- United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA): ₦1.33 billion
Fixed Income and ETF Market
The bond market remained largely stable, with key instruments closing unchanged, reflecting steady demand across the fixed income segment.
The ETF segment recorded mixed performance. STANBICETF30 and VSPBONDETF posted gains, while VETINDETF declined slightly and VETGRIF30 remained unchanged.
Market Outlook
The Nigerian stock market’s marginal gain suggests cautious optimism as investors continue to balance buying interest with profit-taking.
While liquidity remains strong, the slower pace of gains indicates that the market may be entering a consolidation phase, with participants selectively positioning ahead of macroeconomic developments and corporate earnings expectations.
