Trading activities on the floor of Nigerian Exchange (NGX) sustained growth profile on Friday, appreciating by N824 billion, as gains recorded in highly capitalised stocks impacted positively in the market.
The market gains pushed year-to-date return to 27.84 per cent, underscoring sustained investors confidence and an overall optimistic market sentiment.
The market capitalisation of listed equities rose by 0.99 per cent to N83.241 trillion from N82.417 trillion reported the previous day, rejecting deeper market liquidity and heightened buying interest.
The NGX All Share Index also appreciated by 1301.80 basis points to 131585.66 points from 130283.86 points reported the previous day.
The market breadth was positive with 46 gainers outpacing 25 losers reinforcing the bullish run across the sector
An analysis of the investment showed that three companies, LearnAfrica, NCR Plc and UPDC led gainers table with 10 per cent each to close at N6.27, N6.60 and N4.84 per unit respectively, BuaCement and EllahLakes followed with a gain of 9.98 per cent each to close, respectively, at N123.40 and N10.80 per unit.
On the contrary, Redstarex topped losers chart, dropping by 9.97 per cent to close at N12.92 per unit, Union Dicon trailed with a drop of 9.62 per cent to close at N10.80 per unit, Academy press dipped by 6.67 per cent to close at N7.00 per share, Sterling Bank declined by 4.34 per cent to close at N6.17 per unit, FirstHoldco sheds 4.10 per cent to close at N33.95 per unit.
The volume of trades went up by 2.154 billion, representing 180.55 per cent as investors traded 3.347 billion shares worth N62.88 billion in 28593 deals against 1.293 billion shares valued at N42.756 billion exchanged hands the previous day at 37418 deals.
Transactions in the shares of FCMB group led market activities with 1.309 billion shares valued at N12.626 billion, Fidelity Bank followed with account of 1.151 billion shares cost N23.035 billion, Access Holdings traded 113.804 million shares worth N3.069 billion, Chams Plc traded 92.621 million shares cost N293.873 million, Zenith Bank exchanged 50.704 million shares valued at N3.662 billion.