By Abubakar Yunusa
The Nigerian equities market closed on a positive note on Tuesday, as the All-Share Index edged up by 135.97 points to settle at 218,249.81.
The marginal gain represents a 0.06 per cent increase from Monday’s close of 218,113.84, extending the market’s gradual upward trajectory.
Large-cap stocks supported the uptick, with Lafarge Africa Plc leading the rally after posting a 9.64 per cent gain.
Despite the positive close, trading activity weakened, with total volume dropping to 842.4 million shares from 983 million recorded in the previous session.
A total of 61,617 deals were executed, reflecting a softer market participation compared to earlier trades.
Market capitalisation, however, rose slightly to N140.5tn from N140.4tn, while investors exchanged shares worth N44.8bn.
Sentiment remained broadly bullish, as the market sustained a strong year-to-date return of 40.26 per cent.
On the gainers’ chart, Nascon Allied Industries Plc and Union Dicon Salt Plc led with advances of 10.00 per cent and 9.92 per cent, respectively.
Conversely, profit-taking dragged some stocks lower, with Legend Internet Plc and Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc shedding 9.92 per cent and 9.59 per cent.
Access Holdings Plc dominated trading by volume with 110.8 million shares, followed by FCMB Group Plc at 57.6 million and Fidelity Bank Plc with 44.8 million shares.
Zenith Bank Plc recorded 44.1 million shares traded, while United Bank for Africa Plc saw 43.5 million shares exchanged.
In terms of value, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc led with N6.5bn worth of trades, trailed by Zenith Bank Plc at N5.5bn and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc at N3.8bn.
Aradel Holdings Plc and Access Holdings Plc also recorded notable transactions valued at N3.7bn and N3.5bn, respectively.
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