March 18, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s stock market recorded a modest pullback on Wednesday, as investor caution weighed on prices across key sectors. The NGX All-Share Index (ASI) opened at 202,559.41 points but slipped to 201,156.86 by the close, while market capitalisation fell to ₦129.125 trillion from an opening value of ₦130.025 trillion.
Investor sentiment appeared mixed, with 31 equities advancing against 38 decliners, reflecting a cautious market mood as profit-taking followed recent strong rallies.
Top Gainers
NSLTECH advanced 10.00 percent (₦1.20 to ₦1.32)
GUINNESS rose 9.92 percent (₦385.00 to ₦423.20)
JOHNHOLT gained 9.72 percent (₦10.80 to ₦11.85)
SOVRENINS grew 9.57 percent (₦1.88 to ₦2.06)
LINKASSURE increased 9.33 percent (₦1.50 to ₦1.64)
Top Losers
REDSTAREX fell -9.98 percent (₦28.55 to ₦25.70)
ARADEL declined -9.68 percent (₦1,340.00 to ₦1,210.30)
PRESCO dropped -9.30 percent (₦1,875.60 to ₦1,701.10)
LIVINGTRUST lost -8.40 percent (₦5.24 to ₦4.80)
DAARCOMM dipped -7.50 percent (₦2.00 to ₦1.85)
Several large-cap stocks, including Dangote Cement, Julius Berger, Golden Guinea Brewery, Vitafoam Nigeria, and Staci Insurance Plc, closed flat, indicating selective investor interest in blue-chip names.
Overall, the session highlighted a short-term market correction amid profit-taking, with investor focus shifting toward earnings releases and broader economic indicators to guide trading decisions in the coming sessions.
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.
