The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) concluded Wednesday’s trading session with a modest N67 billion increase in market capitalization, closing at N83.9 trillion from N83.83 trillion. The All-Share Index (ASI) edged up by 105.70 points, or 0.08%, to 132,557.43 points, reflecting cautious trading amid mixed investor sentiment across major sectors.
Trading activity saw notable declines, with share volume dropping 12% to 681.2 million units, turnover falling 36% to N17.02 billion, and the number of deals decreasing 18% to 26,931. Of the 128 equities traded, 29 recorded gains, 37 posted losses, and 62 remained unchanged. Academy Press Plc led gainers, rising 10% to N7.70 per share, followed by The Initiates Plc (9.98% to N13.34), Ikeja Hotel (9.95%), Nigerian Enamelware (9.84%), and NAHCO (9.65%).
On the losers’ side, Austin Laz & Company fell 10% to N2.34, with Tripple Gee & Co., Omatek Ventures, Daar Communications, and Multiverse Mining declining between 9.09% and 9.95%. Access Holdings Plc dominated trading volume with 98.6 million shares valued at N2.74 billion, followed by Ellah Lakes (61.1 million shares, N581.6 million), Japaul Gold (49.2 million), Royal Exchange (43.8 million), and Universal Insurance (32.1 million).
In value terms, Access Holdings led with N2.74 billion, followed by Dangote Cement (N1.3 billion from 2.7 million shares), Aradel Holdings (N1.23 billion), GTCO (N1.14 billion), and WAPCO (N1.03 billion). Market indices showed gains, with the Top 30 Index up 0.08%, Banking Index 0.44%, Consumer Goods Index 0.3%, Pension Index 0.24%, Oil & Gas Index 0.21%, and Insurance Index 0.13%. The year-to-date return stands at 28.79%, signaling sustained investor confidence despite periodic sell-offs.
The marginal gain follows a bullish Tuesday, where the market added N396 billion, driven by renewed interest in key sectors. Analysts suggest that while the NGX remains resilient, mixed sentiments and profit-taking may continue to shape short-term trading dynamics.
