April 26, (THEWILL) — Trading on the Nigerian equities market closed the week on a positive note, as key performance indicators advanced amid sustained investor interest, particularly in financial services and consumer goods stocks.
A total turnover of 3.805 billion shares valued at ₦213.955 billion was recorded on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange during the week. This represents an increase compared with the 3.588 billion shares worth ₦195.313 billion traded in the preceding week, indicating stronger market participation.
The Financial Services Industry, measured by volume, led the activity chart with 2.739 billion shares valued at ₦106.269 billion traded, accounting for 71.99 percent and 49.67 percent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
The Services Industry followed with 212.324 million shares worth ₦4.024 billion, while the Consumer Goods Industry ranked third with a turnover of 180.076 million shares valued at ₦13.269 billion.
Trading in the top three equities by volume Access Holdings Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and FirstHoldCo Plc accounted for 814.060 million shares valued at ₦39.032 billion in 37,195 deals, contributing 21.40 percent and 18.24 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.
At the close of the week, the NGX All-Share Index (ASI) and market capitalisation appreciated by 3.94 percent to settle at 225,722.49 points and ₦145.335 trillion respectively.
Performance across sectoral indices was largely positive, with all other indices closing higher except the NGX Growth Index and NGX Commodity Index, which declined marginally by 0.02 percent and 0.41 percent respectively, while the NGX Sovereign Bond Index closed flat.
Market activity showed mixed breadth during the week. A total of 46 equities recorded price appreciation, lower than the 61 gainers posted in the previous week. Meanwhile, 53 equities declined in price, higher than 36 recorded previously, while 47 equities remained unchanged, compared with 49 in the prior week.
Top five price gainers for the week
1. UACN Plc advanced 42.00 percent (₦100.00 to ₦142.00).
2. Union Dicon Salt Plc rose 32.73 percent (₦16.50 to ₦21.90).
3. NASCON Allied Industries Plc gained 32.63 percent (₦156.00 to ₦206.90).
4. Trans-Nationwide Express Plc appreciated 30.58 percent (₦6.05 to ₦7.90).
5. Zichis Agro Allied Industries Plc climbed 25.71 percent (₦12.41 to ₦15.60).
Top five price decliners
1. Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc declined 50.79 percent (₦19.00 to ₦9.35).
2. Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc shed 33.33 percent (₦8.10 to ₦5.40).
3. Guinea Insurance Plc dropped 15.20 percent (₦1.25 to ₦1.06).
4. Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc fell 13.82 percent (₦188.55 to ₦162.50).
5. LivingTrust Mortgage Bank Plc lost 10.98 percent (₦4.10 to ₦3.65).
In the fixed income segment, 442,785 bond units valued at ₦445.832 million were traded during the week, compared with 314,033 units worth ₦318.559 million exchanged in the previous week, reflecting increased activity in the bond market.
Market analysts note that the week’s positive close reflects continued investor confidence, supported largely by strong positioning in financial services and consumer goods counters. However, the increase in the number of declining equities suggests pockets of profit-taking following the previous week’s strong rally.
Looking ahead, analysts expect mixed but cautiously optimistic trading in the coming week as investors continue to rebalance portfolios and position ahead of further corporate earnings releases. Market participants are also likely to monitor macroeconomic signals and liquidity conditions for clearer direction in the equities market.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
