Trading activities on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) ended on a mixed note on Friday as investors exchanged a total of 574.9 million shares valued at N30.09 billion in 62,190 deals, reflecting a 9 percent decline in trading volume despite a 3 percent increase in turnover compared with Thursday’s session.
Market data obtained at the close of trading showed that the 574,937,415 shares traded represented a moderate contraction in market participation when measured against the previous trading day of Thursday, March 5, when higher volumes were recorded. However, the marginal improvement in turnover indicates that investors executed relatively higher-value transactions during the session.
At the end of the day’s trading, the overall market capitalization of the NGX stood at N126.4 trillion, underscoring the continued strength of Nigeria’s equities market despite fluctuations in trading metrics.
A total of 133 listed equities participated in trading, with the market closing slightly positive in sentiment, as 35 stocks recorded gains while 32 posted losses, suggesting a near balance between buying and selling pressure across sectors.
Leading the gainers’ chart was Eterna Plc, which appreciated by 10 percent to close at N42.35 per share. The oil marketing company was closely followed by Premier Paints Plc, which advanced 9.77 percent, while Union Dicon Salt Plc climbed 9.7 percent. Also among the top performers was Fortis Global Insurance Plc, which gained 9.56 percent at the close of trading.
On the downside, RT Briscoe Plc led the laggards, recording a 10 percent decline to settle at N12.06 per share. Other notable losers included MeCure Industries Plc, which shed 9.96 percent, SCOA Nigeria Plc with a 9.96 percent drop, and Associated Bus Company Plc, which also depreciated by 9.96 percent.
In terms of trading activity, banking and financial services stocks dominated the volume chart. Access Holdings Plc emerged as the most actively traded stock, accounting for 43.1 million shares exchanged during the session. It was followed by Zenith Bank Plc with 39.8 million shares, while First HoldCo Plc recorded 39.5 million shares traded.
Similarly, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc maintained strong investor interest with 38.9 million shares changing hands by the close of business.
Market analysts say the mixed outcome reflects selective bargain hunting by investors, particularly in financial and consumer-related equities, while profit-taking activities in some mid-cap stocks contributed to the marginal decline in trading volume.
Overall, the session highlighted a stable but cautious investor sentiment, as market participants continue to position portfolios amid evolving economic and corporate performance expectations in Nigeria’s capital market.
