By Mathew Chima

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a 32.2 percent increase in the value of shares traded in the week ended July 31, with investors exchanging N404.76 billion worth of equities amid stronger market activity.

TheCable’s analysis of the bourse’s weekly market report showed that investors traded 5.12 billion shares in 285,223 deals during the week, compared with 4.43 billion shares valued at N306.14 billion exchanged in 255,589 deals the previous week.

Despite the increase in trading activity, the all-share index (ASI) shed 2,073.72 points during the week, representing a 0.84 percent drop from 247,357.40 index to close at 245,283.68 ASI. 

Market capitalisation also depreciated by 0.79 percent to N158.33 trillion, from N159.59 trillion recorded the week before.

TOP TRADING SECTORS

The financial services industry recorded the highest trading volume with 3.92 billion shares worth N271.43 billion exchanged in 123,514 deals.

The sector accounted for 76.55 percent of the total equity turnover volume and 67.06 percent of the total value traded.

The services industry followed with 203.20 million shares valued at N3.06 billion in 18,333 deals, while the consumer goods industry posted a turnover of 191.28 million shares worth N13.20 billion in 30,730 deals.

TOP THREE EQUITIES

First Holdco Plc, AVA Capital Plc and Access Holdings Plc emerged as the three most traded stocks by volume.

The bourse said the companies recorded a combined turnover of 2.31 billion shares worth N224.77 billion in 27,359 deals, representing 45.09 percent of the total volume traded and 55.53 percent of the total value.

TOP GAINERS OF THE WEEK

The analysis showed that Critical Minerals Financing Corp Plc led the gainers’ chart after its share price appreciated by 22.78 percent from N3.16 to N3.88.

Coronation Infrastructure Fund followed with a 20.92 percent gain, rising from N127.60 to N154.30.

Thomas Wyatt Nigeria Plc advanced by 20.66 percent to close at N4.38 from N3.63.

Consolidated Hallmark Holdings Plc also gained 19.60 percent, with its share price increasing from N6.99 to N8.36.

LASACO Assurance Plc completed the top five gainers after its stock appreciated by 18.68 percent to close at N2.16 from N1.82.

TOP LOSERS OF THE WEEK

The bourse said Associated Bus Company Plc recorded the biggest decline after its share price fell 18.44 percent from N7.05 to N5.75.

Fortis Global Insurance Plc followed with a 16.13 percent decline, dropping from N2.79 to N2.34.

Tripple Gee and Company Plc lost 15.54 percent to close at N2.88 from N3.41.

Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc shed 15.38 percent after its share price fell from N1.69 to N1.43.

International Breweries Plc completed the top five losers after its stock declined 13.87 percent from N13.70 to N11.80.

Source: TheCable