Stock market closes higher on increased buying interest
The stock market closed on a positive note on Thursday, as performance indices grew by 0.52 per cent due to increased buying activity.
Market capitalisation rose by N479 billion, or 0.52 per cent, to close at N92.730 trillion, compared with N92.251 trillion on Wednesday.
Similarly, the All-Share Index (ASI) increased by 756.85 points, or 0.52 per cent, to settle at 146,570.71.
The uptrend was driven by strong buying interest in medium- and large-capitalised stocks, such as AIICO Insurance, Cornerstone Insurance, AXA Mansard Insurance, University Press, and 40 other stocks.
Also, the market breadth closed positive with 44 gainers and 34 losers.
On the advancers’ table, AIICO Insurance rose by 10 per cent, closing at N3.19, while Cornerstone Insurance also grew by 10 per cent, finishing at N5.83 per share.
AXA Mansard soared by 10 per cent, settling at N13.31, and University Press also gained by 10 per cent, ending the session at N5.61 per share.
Guinness Nigeria increased by 9.98 per cent, closing at N141.60 per share.
On the flip side, CHAMS dropped by 9.94 per cent, settling at N2.90, while Austin Laz fell by 9.83 per cent, ending the session at N2.11 per share.
Caverton Offshore Support Group dipped by 9.65 per cent, closing at N6.37, and UAC of Nigeria lost 9.44 per cent, finishing at N81.50 per share.
Similarly, John Holt Plc declined by 9.43 per cent, closing at N7.20 per share.
Over 1.98 billion shares worth N27.26 billion were exchanged across 35,291 transactions, compared to 2.69 billion shares valued at N32.6 billion that were traded across 35,137 deals earlier recorded.
Transactions in the shares of Linkage Assurance topped the activity chart with 372.40 million shares worth N703.1 million.
Prestige Assurance followed with 249.33 million shares valued at N357.45 million, while Veritas Kapital Assurance transacted 181.86 million shares worth N362.99 million.
Sterling Nigeria traded 121.02 million shares valued at N968.29 million, and Lasaco Assurance sold 58.7 million shares worth N217.5 million.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
PCRC hails CP for tackling crimes in Abuja
PCRC has commended the CP in Abuja, Ahmed Sanusi, for his exceptional leadership and operational achievements in tackling crime in the territory.
Agriculture
Agrifood systems can drive employment expansion in Nigeria, other African nations: Report
The Malabo Montpellier Panel has called on governments across African countries to strengthen their agrifood systems to create employment opportunities for young people.
Agriculture
Bauchi agro-chemical dealers make brisk business
Agro-chemical dealers in Bauchi are recording high sales due to increased patronage occasioned by the cropping season.
Heading 5
U.S. govt launches probe into Argentine FA’s alleged $300 million transfers
Tomas Regalado, an ambassador for the AFA in North America, said, “Investigative measures alone do not determine responsibility or guilt.”
Health
Flooding: Lagos removes illegal structures in Iju-Ishaga enforcement
The Lagos government removed illegal structures along Makanjuola Street in Iju-Ishaga as part of its ongoing environmental enforcement exercise.
NationWide
NIMC says new act enhances data identity protection of Nigerians
NIMC’s director-general, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, says the newly enacted NIMC Act 2026 has significantly strengthened Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem.
