The Nigerian Exchange gained N1.25tn in one week as the All-Share Index and Market Capitalisation appreciated by 1.42 per cent and 2.02 per cent, respectively, closing at 103,586.33 points and N63.166tn, respectively.
Last week, investors recorded a turnover of 2.618 bn shares worth N69.742 bn in 47,953 deals across the four trading days, as the Federal Government declared Wednesday, January 1, a public holiday. This represents an increase from the 1.387 bn shares valued at N52.023 bn exchanged in 33,411 deals the previous week.
The Financial Services Industry dominated trading activities, accounting for 66.88 per cent of total volume and 24.49 per cent of the total value, with 1.751 bn shares worth N17.079 bn traded in 20,595 deals. The Services and ICT Industries followed, with 205.807 million shares worth N1.829 bn and 189.938 million shares worth N1.844 bn, respectively.
Top equities traded included Royal Exchange Plc, Chams Holding Company Plc, and Universal Insurance Plc, contributing 23.38 per cent of the total turnover volume with 612.033 million shares worth N773.439 million in 2,108 deals.
Market breadth improved as 82 equities appreciated, up from 64 recorded in the previous week, while 18 equities declined compared to 20 in the prior week. 52 equities remained unchanged, down from 69 recorded earlier.
PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc led the decliners, dropping by 13.79 per cent to close at N25.00 from an opening price of N29.00. CWG Plc followed with a loss of 10.83 per cent, closing at N7.00 from N7.85. Union Dicon Salt Plc shed 10.00 per cent, ending the week at N7.20 from N8.00, while Nigerian Exchange Group dropped by 9.17 per cent to close at N27.25 from N30.00. Cadbury Nigeria Plc completed the list, losing 6.52 per cent to settle at N21.50 from N23.00.
Prestige Assurance Plc led the gainers chart, appreciating by 46 per cent to close at N1.46 from an opening price of N1.00. Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc followed with a 45.26 per cent increase, ending the week at N2.76 from N1.90. Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc rose by 45.16 per cent to close at N1.35 from N0.93, while Coronation Insurance Plc gained 44.92 per cent to settle at N2.71 from N1.87. Universal Insurance Plc rounded off the top gainers, climbing 43.64 per cent to close at N0.79 from N0.55.
Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas and Sovereign Bond indices dipped by 0.45 per cent and 3.28 per cent, respectively, as other indices posted gains.
Also, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s December 2024 issue of Savings Bonds has been listed on the NGX. The bonds include two tranches: a two-year bond with a coupon of 17.483 per cent and a 3-year bond with a coupon of 18.483 per cent.
The bonds, issued on December 11 2024, will mature on December 11 2026 and December 11 2027, respectively, with quarterly coupon payments scheduled. The total amount issued was N876.87 m and N2.44 bn for the respective tranches.
The PUNCH reported that the equity market began 2025 on a positive note, with the Nigerian Exchange recording a gain of N155bn as the All Share Index appreciated by 0.25 per cent.
