The Nigerian equities market ended Thursday’s trading session on a positive note, with investors recording a N192 billion increase in market value as buying interest in selected stocks pushed the benchmark index higher.
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) All-Share Index gained 297.10 points, representing a 0.12 per cent increase, to close at 245,209.34 points. The index had opened the session at 244,912.24 points.
The rise in share prices also lifted the total market capitalisation from N158.086 trillion to N158.278 trillion, giving investors an additional N192 billion in value by the close of trading.
However, the overall market mood remained mixed. A total of 24 stocks recorded gains, while 35 stocks declined. This negative market breadth showed that investors remained cautious, with many taking profits from stocks that had performed strongly in previous sessions.
Despite the broader decline, gains in selected mid-cap companies helped keep the overall market in positive territory.
Eterna led the gainers, rising by 10 per cent from N33.00 to N36.30 per share. AVA Capital Partners followed closely, gaining 9.63 per cent to close at N11.95 from N10.90.
Legend Internet also recorded strong buying interest, advancing 9.52 per cent from N4.20 to N4.60 per share.
FCMB Group was another major gainer, rising 8.55 per cent from N11.70 to N12.70. Honeywell Flour Mills also recovered from its previous session’s losses, climbing 7.98 per cent to close at N17.60 from N16.30 per share.
On the losing side, FTN Cocoa Processors suffered the biggest decline, falling 10 per cent from N2.80 to N2.52 per share.
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated also recorded a sharp drop of 9.99 per cent, declining from N80.10 to N72.10 per share.
Chellarams fell by 9.85 per cent to N11.90, while Thomas Wyatt Nigeria dropped 9.83 per cent to N3.21 per share.
UPDC Real Estate also came under selling pressure, losing 8.45 per cent to close at N3.25 from N3.55.
The performance of major market bellwethers was largely unchanged. MTN Nigeria Communications, Dangote Cement, Seplat Energy, Custodian Investment, Presco and Julius Berger all closed flat.
The flat performance of these large companies suggests that institutional investors were being selective, with greater attention shifting toward mid-cap stocks offering opportunities for short-term gains.
Overall, Thursday’s session reflected a market where investors remain cautious but willing to buy selected counters with strong momentum or recovery potential. While the increase in market capitalisation was positive, the larger number of decliners indicates that profit-taking and uncertainty remain significant factors influencing trading decisions.
The market’s direction in coming sessions will likely depend on investor sentiment, corporate earnings, economic conditions and fresh developments across key sectors.
