Total market capitalization rose by N184 billion, representing a 0.17 percent gain, to close at N106.153 trillion, compared with N105.969 trillion recorded in the previous session. The growth was attributed largely to new share listings on the Exchange, rather than broad-based price appreciation.
Notable among the new additions were Presco Plc’s listing of 166,666,667 ordinary shares and Guaranty Trust Holding Company’s (GTCO) listing of 125 million ordinary shares at N80 per share, which boosted the overall market value.
Despite the expansion in capitalization, the All-Share Index (ASI) edged lower, shedding 156.91 points or 0.09 percent to close at 165,370.40, down from 165,527.31 in the prior session. The divergence between market cap growth and index performance underscored the impact of corporate actions amid selective profit-taking.
Market breadth closed positive, as 34 stocks recorded gains against 31 decliners, suggesting relatively balanced trading activity across sectors.
Zichis Agro Allied Industries led the gainers’ table with a 9.97 percent appreciation to close at N4.19. Abbey Mortgage Bank followed closely, rising by 9.94 percent to N9.40, while RT Briscoe gained 9.93 percent to close at N7.86. Haldane McCall advanced by 9.90 percent to N4.33, and Omatek Ventures added 9.89 percent to settle at N3.00.
On the downside, Learn Africa, Livestock Feeds, and Livingtrust Microfinance Bank each declined by the maximum 10 percent, closing at N8.10, N6.30, and N4.05 respectively. Deap Capital Management fell by 9.97 percent to N9.39, while McNicholas lost 9.93 percent to close at N6.35.
Trading activity softened slightly, as investors exchanged 687.4 million shares valued at N14.9 billion across 41,553 deals. This marked a marginal decline in both volume and value compared with the previous session’s 691.4 million shares worth N15.4 billion, although the number of transactions increased.
Veritas Kapital dominated trading by volume, accounting for 80.47 million shares or 11.71 percent of total turnover. Aradel Holdings emerged as the most traded stock by value, recording transactions worth N2.31 billion, representing 15.43 percent of the day’s total market value.
Overall, the session reflected cautious optimism, with fresh listings supporting market capitalization while price movements remained mixed amid selective buying and selling.