The Nigerian Exchange Limited ended Wednesday’s session slightly higher, supported by widespread buying interest that nudged equities into positive territory despite modest overall gains.
Market capitalisation rose by N6.88bn to close at N106.44tn, up from N106.43tn in the previous session. The All-Share Index also edged higher, gaining 10.77 points to settle at 166,267.60, representing a 0.01 per cent increase from Tuesday’s close.
Trading activity reflected a mixed pattern. Investors exchanged 822.73 million shares valued at N24.93bn across 43,514 transactions. Compared with the prior session, trading volume improved by 3 per cent, while turnover rose by 25 per cent. However, the number of deals declined by 4 per cent, indicating selective participation.
Market sentiment remained positive, with advancers clearly outnumbering decliners. Out of 130 stocks traded, 54 recorded gains while 24 closed lower. NCR Nigeria led the gainers after rising by 10 per cent to N171.05 per share. McNichols Plc followed with a 10 per cent increase to N6.93, while RT Briscoe Plc also gained 10 per cent to close at N4.95. Jaiz Bank advanced by 9.99 per cent to N7.93, and May & Baker Nigeria Plc rose by 9.95 per cent to N43.65.
On the downside, UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust posted the steepest decline, shedding 9.68 per cent to close at N8.40. Champion Breweries fell by 9.31 per cent to N19.00, while Secure Electronic Technology dropped by 6.78 per cent to N1.10. Coronation Insurance and Equity Assurance also closed lower, declining by 6.69 per cent and 6.00 per cent, respectively.
Zichis Agro Allied Industries dominated trading by volume, with 69.22 million shares exchanged. Secure Electronic Technology followed with 54.80 million shares, while Access Holdings and Zenith Bank recorded volumes of 40.11 million and 38.11 million shares, respectively.
In terms of value, Stanbic IBTC Holdings led activity with transactions worth N2.78bn. Zenith Bank followed with N2.74bn, while Nigerian Breweries recorded trades valued at N2.44bn. GTCO and Aradel Holdings also featured prominently among the top value contributors.
Analysts said the mild gains reflect sustained interest in select banking, consumer goods and industrial stocks. They added that the improved market breadth points to a cautious return of investor confidence, with further upside dependent on liquidity conditions and broader macroeconomic developments.
