The Nigerian Exchange Limited closed Thursday’s trading session on a positive note, driven by strong performances from consumer and banking stocks. Investors exchanged a total of 1,025,534,120 shares in 51,194 deals, representing a market turnover of N31.36bn.

The trading session marked a 36 per cent increase in volume and a six per cent rise in turnover compared with Wednesday, even as the number of deals declined by eight per cent.

The market capitalisation of the NGX stood at N106.3tn, highlighting sustained investor confidence despite mixed sectoral movements. In total, 132 equities participated in trading, with 36 gainers and 41 losers recorded by the close of the session.

Nestle Nigeria emerged as the top gainer, posting a 10 per cent increase to close at N2,153.80 per share. NCR Nigeria followed closely with a 9.97 per cent gain, closing at N116.90. Other notable performers included Jaiz Bank, which rose 9.92 per cent to N8.20, and Morison Industries, up 9.90 per cent to N5.66.

On the other hand, McNichols recorded the steepest decline of the day, losing 9.99 per cent to close at N6.58 per share. It was followed by Caverton Offshore Support Group, which fell 9.47 per cent to N7.65; Ikeja Hotel, down 9.43 per cent to N35.05; and FTN Cocoa Processors, which shed 9.38 per cent to N7.05.

In terms of trading volumes, Sovereign Trust Insurance led the session with 245 million shares exchanged. Access Holdings followed with 78.4 million shares, Zenith Bank recorded 72.4 million shares, while Jaiz Bank traded 53.7 million shares.

Market analysts attributed the rally to renewed investor interest in consumer staples and selective banking stocks, reflecting optimism for earnings growth in key sectors despite lingering macroeconomic uncertainties.