The equities market opened the week on a positive note on Monday, as investors recorded a combined profit of ₦786 billion.

Investor interest in key stocks such as Seplat Energy, AXA Mansard, Skye Shelter Fund, Ellah Lakes, and CHAMS, alongside 44 other equities, contributed to the market’s positive performance.

The market capitalisation increased by N786 billion, or 0.86 per cent, rising from N91,135 trillion at the opening to N91.921 trillion at the close.

Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 0.86 per cent, gaining 1,238.74 points to close at 144,822.78 compared to 143,584.04 reported on Friday.

Also, the market breadth closed positive with 49 gainers and 23 losers.

On the gainers’ table, Seplat Energy and AXA Mansard Insurance led by 10 per cent each, to close at N5,917.20 and N15.84 per share, respectively.

Skye Shelter Fund increased by 9.97 per cent, settling at N381.10; Ellah Lakes grew by 9.95 per cent, ending the session at N14.81; and CHAMS rose by 9.87 per cent, finishing at N4.23 per share.

Conversely, International Energy Insurance led the losers’ table by 8.42 per cent, closing at N2.72; McNicholas trailed by 8.31 per cent, settling at N3.20; and Thomas Wyatt Nigeria dipped by 7.72 per cent, to close at N2.99 per share.

Also, Berger Paints declined by 6.80 per cent, ending the session at N37, while ABC Transport dropped by 5.81 per cent, closing at N4.05 per share.

An assessment of the market activity revealed an improvement in the deals with a decline in the market volume and value.

A total of 519.92 million shares valued at N14.55 billion were traded across 35,490 transactions, compared to 544.7 million shares worth N19.63 billion that were traded across 27,065 transactions earlier on Friday.

Meanwhile, transactions in the shares of Ellah Lakes topped the activity chart with 80.1 million shares valued at N1.18 billion.

CHAMS followed with 30.2 million shares worth N127.26 million, while Sterling Nigeria traded 24.7 million shares valued at N205.65 million.

Custodian Investment transacted 21.8 million shares worth ₦903.74 million, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company sold 20.06 million shares valued at ₦1.97 million.

 (NAN)