By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Exchange maintained its bullish momentum on Friday, with investors recording a gain of N119 billion, extending the week’s positive trading trend.
The rally was driven by price increases in key equities, including Eterna Plc, Premier Paints, Union Dicon Salt Plc, Fortis Global Insurance, and John Holt Plc, alongside gains in 30 other listed stocks.
Market capitalisation rose by 0.08 per cent, adding N119 billion to close at N126.436 trillion, up from N126.317 trillion at the start of the session.
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Similarly, the NGX All-Share Index increased by 161 points, or 0.08 per cent, to close at 196,968.15 points, compared with 196,807.15 points previously.
The market’s Year-To-Date (YTD) return improved to 26.58 per cent, while market breadth ended positive with 35 gainers against 34 losers.
Eterna Plc led the gainers with a 10 per cent increase, closing at N42.35 per share, followed by Premier Paints up 9.77 per cent at N14.60, and Union Dicon Salt Plc rising 9.70 per cent to N16.40. Fortis Global Insurance and John Holt Plc gained 9.56 per cent and 9.25 per cent to close at N1.49 and N9.45 per share, respectively.
On the flip side, RT Briscoe Plc led the losers with a 10 per cent drop to N12.06 per share, while Mecure Industries Plc, SCOA Nigeria Plc, and ABC Transport Plc each fell 9.96 per cent to close at N61.50, N34.35, and N6.24 respectively. Berger Paints Nigeria Plc declined 9.93 per cent to N66.65.
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Market activity slowed slightly, with total shares traded dropping 7.55 per cent to 586.16 million units valued at N30.64 billion in 62,699 deals.
First HoldCo Plc recorded the highest volume at 43.91 million shares, while Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc led in value with N4.62 billion, accounting for 15.09 per cent of total value traded.
The sustained rally reflects growing investor confidence and selective gains across key sectors of the Nigerian stock market.
