The Nigerian equity market surged by N144 billion on Thursday, largely on the strong performances of key players like Nigerian Breweries and NEM Insurance.
This recovery comes after the market experienced a dip earlier in the week.
The market indices closed with the All Share Index (ASI) rising by 0.2% to settle at 99,832.25 points, while market capitalization increased to N56.47 trillion.
Despite lower trading volumes and values compared to previous sessions, the market saw increased activity in terms of the number of deals, which rose by 20% to 9,686.
Market Activity and Performance
Trading on Thursday resumed following the Democracy Day holiday, with 502.6 million shares exchanged in various deals valued at N8.65 billion.
The bullish trend was evident with 30 gainers outnumbering 18 losers, highlighting the positive sentiment that dominated trading.
Top Gainers and Losers
Nigerian Breweries emerged as a top performer with a significant 10% increase in its share price to close at N31.90. Unity Bank followed closely with a 9.91% gain, closing at N1.22 per share, while NEM Insurance recorded a 9.77% increase, ending the trading session at N9.55 per share.
Conversely, Ecobank Transnational led the losers’ chart with a 9.92% decline, closing at N21.35 per share. Daar Communications and C&I Leasing also experienced losses, shedding 8.77% and 7.14% respectively.
Trading Insights
Zenith Bank emerged as the most traded stock by volume, with 71.2 million shares exchanged, followed by AIICO Insurance with 67.3 million shares and Access Holdings with 58.5 million shares.
The trading activities were spread across various sectors, with notable gains observed in the insurance, banking, pension, and consumer goods industries.
Market Outlook
The rebound in the equity market reflects renewed investor confidence following recent downturns. Analysts anticipate continued volatility amid global economic uncertainties but remain optimistic about the resilience of Nigerian stocks in the long term.
Overall, the market’s recovery by N144 billion underscores the dynamism of Nigeria’s financial landscape and the strategic positioning of key market players like Nigerian Breweries and NEM Insurance in driving positive market sentiment and performance.