The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed on a positive note on Thursday as the All-Share Index (ASI) edged higher by 0.02 percent to settle at 200,957.89 points.
Equities market capitalisation increased slightly to ₦128.99 trillion, while overall market activity strengthened with improved turnover and value traded during the session.
A total of 678.13 million shares valued at ₦33.14 billion were exchanged in 42,222 deals, representing a notable increase in trading volume and value compared to the previous session, indicating sustained investor participation in the market.
Top gainers dominated the session with Premier Paints Plc leading the chart, rising by 10.00 percent from ₦31.00 to ₦34.10. Zichis Plc also advanced by 10.00 percent to close at ₦12.54, while Legend Internet Plc gained 9.92 percent to ₦7.98.
John Holt Plc appreciated by 9.87 percent to ₦17.25, and McNichols Plc rose 9.76 percent to ₦6.75.
On the losers’ chart, Universal Insurance Plc led with a 9.17 percent decline to ₦5.45. SUNU Assurances Nigeria Plc dropped 8.88 percent to ₦4.31, while Lotus Halal Equity ETF declined by 8.55 percent to ₦133.51.
Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc fell 6.98 percent to ₦2.00, and FTN Cocoa Processors Plc shed 6.67 percent to ₦5.60.
Trading activity was largely driven by banking and financial services stocks. Access Holdings Plc led the market with 134.59 million shares valued at ₦3.50 billion, followed by Wema Bank Plc with 105.51 million shares worth ₦2.79 billion.
Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc recorded 74.15 million shares traded, while Zichis Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc also featured among the most actively traded equities.
In the fixed income segment, the bond market recorded minimal activity across most instruments with the exception of FGS202894, which surged by 30.00 percent from ₦90.00 to ₦120.00. This indicates selective demand within the segment. Other listed bonds closed flat.
The ETF segment maintained a bullish trend as investors increased exposure to diversified assets. NEWGOLD gained ₦13,551.98 to close at ₦149,071.85, while SIAMLETF40 rose by ₦1,191.30 to ₦13,104.30.
STANBICETF30 advanced by ₦464.14 to ₦5,105.59, GREENWETF added ₦79.99 to ₦999.99, and VETINDETF appreciated by ₦13.97 to close at ₦153.67.
Overall, the market’s marginal gain reflects a balance between profit-taking in select equities and continued accumulation in fundamentally strong stocks.
Increased trading volume and value highlight sustained liquidity, while investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic amid ongoing macroeconomic developments and corporate performance expectations.