By Habibat Aliu
Sell-off persisted in the equities sector of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) as losses in GEREGU and 17 stocks depressed market capitalisation further by N2 billion
Also, the volume of shares traded declined by 602.654 million as investors traded 103.266 million shares valued at N2.138 billion in 3206 deals against 705.92 million shares valued at N4.59 billion exchanged hands the previous day in 3472 deals.
Specifically, at the close of trading yesterday, the market capitalisation of listed equities increased by N2 billion or 0.008 percent to N24.112 trillion from N24.110 reported the previous day.
The All Share Index also appreciated by 0.25 basis points to 44269.43 points from 44269.18 points.
Vetiva Dealings and Brokerage said: “Similar to last week’s session, the market started quietly with one stock accounting for most of the day’s trades, while Tier-I banks continue to dominate the activity chart. And we expect a similar session tomorrow.”
A breakdown of yesterday’s transactions showed that Royal Express led the gainers’ chart, adding 9.72 per cent to close at 79 kobos while Cutix Plc followed with a gain of 6.83 per cent to close at N2.19 kobo.
United Capital appreciated by 5.73 per cent to close at N12. Linkage Assurance added 2.56 per cent to close at 40 kobos. Trans Express garnered 2.50 per cent to close at 82 kobos. Fidson increased by 2.29 kobo to close at N8.50 kobo.
AccessCorp appreciated by 1.89 per cent to close at N8.10 kobo. FBN Holdings garnered 1.01 per cent to close at N10. TransNational Corporation of Nigeria advanced by 94 kobos to close at N1.07 kobo while Zenith Bank gained 76 per cent to close at N20.
On the contrary, Learn Africa topped the losers’ chart, dropping by 9.52 per cent to close at N1.52 kobo. Cornerstone Insurance trailed with a loss of 9.09 per cent to close at 40 kobos. Briscoe was down by 9.09 per cent to close at 30 kobos. FTNCocoa dipped by 8.82 per cent to close at 31 kobos. Caverton shed 8.05 per cent to close at 80 kobos.
Japaul Gold declined by 6.90 kobos to close at 27 kobos. Oando depreciated by 4.84 per cent to close at N3.93 kobo. Unity Bank shed 4.76 per cent to close at 40 kobos. Academy Press lost 4.76 per cent to close at N1.20 kobo. Champion Breweries shed 4.35 per cent to close at N3.30 kobo while Mutual Benefits Assurance also lost 3.70 kobos to close at 26 kobos.
Zenith Bank recorded the highest volume of activities on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange, exchanging 15.126 million shares valued at N301.365 million, Geregu followed with an account of 11.099 million shares worth N1.202 billion, GTCO Plc traded 8.871 million shares valued at N156.015 million, FBNHoldings exchanged 7.387 million shares cost N73.694 million while Access Corp traded 5.757 million shares worth N46.635 million.
