By Seun Ibiyemi
Investors on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) traded 1.683 billion shares valued at N109.438 billion in 76,557 transactions on Wednesday, marking a decline in volume and number of deals compared to the previous session.
This was lower than the 2.027 billion shares worth N87.709 billion exchanged across 80,888 transactions in the prior trading day, reflecting reduced market activity despite a rise in total transaction value.
The market, however, closed on a positive note as investors recorded a combined gain of N65 billion, driven by sustained demand for selected equities, including DAAR Communications Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, and Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, alongside 34 other listed stocks.
Market capitalisation rose by 0.04 per cent to N161.839 trillion, up from N161.774 trillion, while the All-Share Index increased by 96.52 points to close at 252,508.19. The Year-to-Date return also strengthened to 62.27 per cent.
Market breadth closed positive with 38 gainers against 30 losers. Leading the gainers’ chart were Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Livestock Feeds Plc, and DAAR Communications Plc, each appreciating by 10 per cent.
On the losers’ side, NCR Nigeria Plc led with a 10 per cent decline, followed by Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, and Eterna Plc.
FIRSTHOLDCO emerged as the most active stock for the session, recording 575.19 million shares worth N44.42 billion, accounting for 30.40 per cent of total volume and 37.71 per cent of total value traded.
