The Nigerian equity market recorded a decline of N185bn in one week as the All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation dipped by 0.33 per cent and 0.31 per cent to 97,506.87 and N59.11tn respectively.

A total turnover of 3.194 billion shares worth N54.850bn in 45,112 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.509 billion shares valued at N26.904bn traded in 20,357 deals, contributing 47.25 per cent and 49.05 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value, respectively.

The Construction/Real Estate Industry followed with 839.945 million shares worth N4.806bn in 1,399 deals, while the Oil and Gas Industry ranked third with 256.445 million shares worth N13.307bn in 6,313 deals.

Trading in the top three equities, Haldane McCall Plc, FBN Holdings Plc, and Japaul Gold and Ventures Plc accounted for 1.587 billion shares worth N19.797bn in 3,632 deals, contributing 49.69 per cent and 36.09 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value, respectively.

Additionally, a total of 20,749 units valued at N5.281m were traded last week in 85 deals.

Also, 32 equities appreciated last week, 46 equities depreciated, while 75 equities remained unchanged.

Amongst the gainers for last week are, SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc which opened at N3.16 and closed at N3.90, gaining N0.74 or 23.42 per cent. Haldane McCall Plc rose from N5.10 to N6.20, adding N1.10, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc closed at N0.73.

Austin Laz & Company Plc saw the largest decline, falling by N0.70 or 26.32 per cent, from N2.66 to N1.96. John Holt Plc dropped by N2.08, from N11.00 to N8.92, a decrease of 18.91 per cent. Lasaco Assurance Plc lost N0.42, falling from N2.55 to N2.13, marking a 16.47 per cent decline amongst others.

On Thursday, the Nigerian Stock Exchange ended the trading session with a market capitalisation of N59.3tn, following a gain of N306bn.