The Nigerian stock market ended the week on a strong note, adding N733 billion in value as sustained investor interest in key stocks lifted overall performance.
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) showed that the market capitalisation rose from N98.059 trillion to N98.792 trillion, representing a 0.75% gain.
Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 1,155.15 points, closing at 155,645.05, compared to 154,489.90 recorded on Thursday.
Market sentiment remained positive, with 34 gainers and 25 losers recorded during the trading session.
Leading the gainers’ chart was Aso Savings, which appreciated by 10% to close at 66 kobo per share. Ikeja Hotel gained 7.89% to close at ₦20.50, while Regency Alliance Insurance rose 7.44% to ₦1.30. Caverton Offshore advanced 7.08% to ₦6.50, and Aradel Holdings climbed 6.76% to close at ₦790 per share.
On the other hand, Union Dicon Salt topped the losers’ chart, dropping 9.09% to ₦8 per share. Neimeth Pharmaceutical fell 6.67% to ₦5.60, Cornerstone Insurance declined 5.61% to ₦6.23, Halldane McCall lost 4.84% to ₦4.13, and International Energy Insurance shed 4.48% to close at ₦2.77.
Trading activity also improved, as 1.21 billion shares, valued at ₦31.5 billion, were exchanged in 29,989 deals, compared to 926.9 million shares worth ₦26.9 billion in 30,703 deals the previous day.
Fidelity Bank led the activity chart with 820.9 million shares worth ₦16.14 billion, followed by Sovereign Trust Insurance with 45.5 million shares valued at ₦176.96 million, and Tantalizer, which traded 32.7 million shares worth ₦72.05 million.
Other active stocks included Access Corporation, which recorded 23.8 million shares worth ₦593.4 million, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), which traded 19.2 million shares valued at ₦1.78 billion.
Analysts say the week’s gain reflects renewed investor confidence in the equities market, supported by strong performances in financial and industrial stocks.
