Equity trading on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) closed on a mixed note on Friday, as total market capitalisation increased by N184 billion despite a slight decline in the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI).
Market data from Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that total capitalisation rose by 0.17 per cent to N106.153 trillion, from N105.969 trillion recorded in the previous trading session.
The growth in market value was largely attributed to additional equity listings, including Presco Plc’s listing of 166,666,667 ordinary shares and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO)’s listing of 125,000,000 ordinary shares at N80 per share.
In contrast, the ASI declined by 0.09 per cent, shedding 156.91 points to close at 165,370.40, compared with 165,527.31 in the preceding session.
Market breadth closed positive, with 34 stocks recording price gains, while 31 equities closed in the red.
On the gainers’ chart, Zichis Agro Allied Industries led with a 9.97 per cent appreciation to N4.19. Abbey Mortgage Bank followed with a 9.94 per cent increase to N9.40, while RT Briscoe advanced by 9.93 per cent to N7.86. Haldane McCall gained 9.90 per cent to close at N4.33, and Omatek Ventures rose by 9.89 per cent to N3.00.
Conversely, Learn Africa, Livestock Feeds, and Livingtrust Microfinance Bank topped the losers’ chart, each declining by 10 per cent to close at N8.10, N6.30, and N4.05, respectively. Deap Capital Management fell by 9.97 per cent to N9.39, while McNicholas declined by 9.93 per cent to N6.35.
Trading activity recorded a slight slowdown, with 687.4 million shares valued at N14.9 billion exchanged in 41,553 deals. This compares with 691.4 million shares worth N15.4 billion traded in the previous session, reflecting marginal declines in both volume and value, despite a higher number of transactions.
In terms of activity, Veritas Kapital led the volume chart with 80.47 million shares, accounting for 11.71 per cent of total shares traded. Aradel Holdings recorded the highest value of trades at N2.31 billion, representing 15.43 per cent of total market turnover.