January 21, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian equities market closed slightly higher on Wednesday, supported by broad-based buying interest across select stocks. Market capitalisation opened at ₦106.436, and edged up to ₦106.442, while the All-Share Index (ASI) inched higher from 166,256.83 points to 166,267.60 points.
Market breadth was firmly positive, with 54 gainers outweighing 24 losers, reflecting sustained demand across mid- and small-cap stocks despite pockets of profit-taking.
The gainers were led by:
MCNICHOLS, which advanced 10.00 percent (₦6.30 to ₦6.93).
NCR, up 10.00 percent (₦155.50 to ₦171.05).
RTBRISCOE, which gained 10.00 percent (₦4.50 to ₦4.95).
JAIZBANK, rising 9.99 percent (₦7.21 to ₦7.93).
MAYBAKER, which appreciated by 9.95 percent (₦39.70 to ₦43.65).
On the downside, sell pressure was recorded in a number of stocks.
UPDCREIT declined by 9.68 percent (₦9.30 to ₦8.40),
CHAMPION fell 9.31 percent (₦20.95 to ₦19.00).
NSLTECH dropped by 6.78 percent (₦1.18 to ₦1.10).
WAPIC dipped 6.69 percent (₦3.59 to ₦3.35),
ETI declined 6.00 percent (₦50.00 to ₦47.00).
Stocks that closed flat included Dangote Cement, Seplat Energy, Okomu Oil, Nigeria Real Estate, and Presco Plc.
Investor sentiment remained upbeat, supported by the wide margin between gainers and losers, signalling continued accumulation across the market.
Trading is expected to remain positive but selective, as investors position ahead of further corporate and macroeconomic cues in the near term.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze
