Market indices were lifted on the second trading day of the week, following significant rise in the prices of major stocks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
At the close of equity trading activities, 27 stocks recorded price appreciation, while 12 stocks depreciated in value.
Cement Company of Northern Nigeria Plc led the price gainers’ chart for the week, rising by 4.9 per cent or 20 kobo to close at N4.22 per share.
Roads Plc also gained 4.9 per cent or 34 kobo to close at N7.28 per share.
Smurfit Plc and Eterna Plc rose by 4.6 per cent each to close at N1.35 and 2.50 per share in that order, while Ikeja Hotel Plc and DN Meyer Plc gained 4.5 per cent and 4.4 per cent to close at N1.14 and 72 kobo per share respectively.
AG Leventis Plc and Royal Exchange Plc rose by 4.2 and 3.9 per cent to close at N1.24 and 53 kobo per share in that order.
Thus, the NSE’s All Share Index rose by 0.2 per cent or 40.26 basis points to close at 23,531.63 points, from 23,491.17 basis points recorded on Monday.
Similarly, the market capitalisation of the listed equities closed at N7.412tn, representing an increase by N13bn from N7.477tn recorded at the beginning of the week.
The NSE-30 Index also appreciated by 0.2 per cent or 1.68 basis points, from 1,100.15 basis points to close at 1,101.83 points.
University Press Plc recorded the highest loss for the day, shedding 4.9 per cent or 21 kobo to close at N4.11 per share.
National Salt Company of Nigeria Plc followed with a decline of 4.8 per cent or 24 kobo to close at N4.74 per share.
NPF Microfinance Bank also lost 4.7 per cent or five kobo to close at N1 per share, while May and Baker Nigeria Plc and Neimeth International Pharmaceutical Plc lost 4.5 per cent and 4.4 per cent to close at N1.47 and 86 kobo per share
Activities in the banking sub-sector drove volume for the day, as it accounted for 59 per cent of total turnover.
The shares of Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc drove volume in the sub-sector.
Source: Punch/Udeme Ekwere
