By Busola Aro

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) says investors traded 4.43 billion shares worth N306.14 billion in 255,589 deals in one week.

According to the weekly market report on NGX, the record represents an increase of 54.17 percent compared to the 2.819 billion shares valued at N182.499 billion exchanged in 226,729 deals in the preceding week.

Analysis by TheCable shows that investors gained N2.53 trillion in market capitalisation, driven by strong demand for banking and consumer goods stocks.

The market capitalisation rose by N2.53 trillion to N159.58 trillion from N157.06 trillion recorded the previous week.

Similarly, the all-share index (ASI) advanced by 3,899.69 basis points, or 1.6 percent to 247,357.40 — up from 243,457.71.

TOP SECTORS

NGX said the financial services industry remained the market’s most active sector, accounting for 3.422 billion shares valued at N207.206 billion traded in 117,545 deals.

The sector contributed 77.18 percent of the total volume of shares traded and 67.68 percent of the total value.

The consumer goods sector ranked second with 201.978 million shares worth N17.17 billion exchanged in 28,666 deals.

The information and communication technology (ICT) industry came third after investors traded 169.481 million shares valued at N21.194 billion in 23,107 deals.

TOP EQUITIES FOR THE WEEK

The report further said banking stocks continued to dominate trading activity during the week.

First HoldCo Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc emerged as the three most traded equities by volume.

The companies accounted for a combined 2.151 billion shares valued at N170.79 billion in 44,768 deals.

The trio represented 48.51 percent of the total volume of shares traded on the bourse and 55.79 percent of the total value of transactions during the week.

TOP GAINERS OF THE WEEK 

UPDC Real Estate Investment Trust led the gainers’ chart after its share price appreciated by N3.55, or 33.33 percent, to close at N14.20 from N10.65.

First HoldCo Plc followed, gaining N24.55, or 25.59 percent, to close at N120.5 from N95.95, extending its rally after hitting a fresh all-time high during the week.

Also, Unilever Nigeria Plc advanced by N23.95 or 19.31 percent to N147.95 from N124.

Cadbury Nigeria Plc gained N10.5 or 18.42 percent to close at N67.50 from N57.

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc rose by N2 or 17.86 percent to N13.20 from N11.20.

TOP LOSERS OF THE WEEK

Mecure Industries Plc topped the losers’ table after shedding N23.05 or 26.97 percent to close at N62.40 from N85.45.

Royal Exchange Plc declined by 19 kobo or 12.84 percent to N1.29 from N1.48.

Tripple Gee and Company Plc fell by 48 kobo or 12.34 percent to N3.41 from N3.89.

Sunu Assurances Nigeria Plc lost 40 kobo or 10 percent closing at N3.6 from N4.

In addition, BUA Foods Plc shed N93.9 or 10 percent to end the week at N845.1 from N939.

Source : TheCable