The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed lower on Monday as the All-Share Index (ASI) declined by 0.21 percent from 200,913.06 recorded on Friday to settle at 200,484.43 points.
The decline reflects renewed profit-taking across key equities following last week’s mild bearish close.
Equities market capitalisation also dropped from ₦128.97 trillion to ₦128.69 trillion, representing a loss of approximately ₦275 billion in investor value.
Market Activity
Trading activity remained strong despite the negative close as investors exchanged a total of 593.25 million shares valued at ₦25.65 billion in 60,311 deals.
This indicates sustained liquidity in the market, even as sentiment turned slightly bearish.
Top Gainers
Gainers were led by Austin Laz & Company Plc (AUSTINLAZ), which rose by 9.98 percent from ₦4.01 to ₦4.41.
Other notable advancers include:
- Zichis Plc (ZICHIS): +9.93% to ₦15.16
- Trans-Nationwide Express Plc (TRANSEXPR): +9.65% to ₦2.84
- The Initiates Plc (TIP): +9.60% to ₦21.70
- Learn Africa Plc (LEARNAFRCA): +9.41% to ₦9.30
Top Losers
On the downside, NSL Tech Plc (NSLTECH) led the losers’ chart, declining by 10.00 percent to ₦1.17.
Other decliners include:
- May & Baker Nigeria Plc (MAYBAKER): -9.42% to ₦38.00
- Legend Internet Plc (LEGENDINT): -8.67% to ₦6.85
- Cutix Plc (CUTIX): -8.29% to ₦3.21
- FTN Cocoa Processors Plc (FTGINSURE): -7.97% to ₦1.27
Top Trades
Trading was dominated by banking and financial stocks, with Access Holdings Plc leading the chart with 86.64 million shares valued at ₦2.25 billion.
Other active stocks include:
- FirstHoldCo Plc: ₦4.26 billion
- Fidelity Bank Plc: ₦512.40 million
- Zenith Bank Plc: ₦2.63 billion
Fixed Income and ETF Market
The bond market remained largely unchanged, with key government instruments closing flat, indicating stable demand for fixed income securities.
The ETF segment recorded strong gains, led by NEWGOLD, which rose by ₦14,020.99 to close at ₦177,999.99. Other ETFs, including SIAMLETF40, GREENWETF, VSPBONDETF and VETINDETF, also posted gains, reflecting continued investor interest in diversified instruments.
Market Outlook
The market’s decline reflects continued profit-taking following last week’s negative close, even as trading activity remains robust.
Investor sentiment appears cautious, with capital rotating between sectors while market participants monitor macroeconomic developments and earnings expectations.